Equality Scheme: 2020-2024
6: Further Information
As part of the Equality Act 2010, public authorities must comply with the Public Sector Equality Duty (the "equality duty"). The equality duty replaced the previous race, disability and gender equality duties and was developed to extend across all the protected characteristics. It consists of a general equality duty, supported by specific duties and requires public authorities to consider or think about how their policies or decisions affect people who are protected under the Equality Act.
The Equality Act (2010)
The Equality Act (2010) requires public bodies to:
- Eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation and other conduct prohibited by the Act.
- Advance equality of opportunity between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not.
- Foster good relations between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not.
The Equality Act 2010 (Specific Duties) Regulations 2011
The specific duties require public bodies to publish:
- Information to demonstrate their compliance with the Equality Duty at least annually, and
- Equality objectives (which are specific and measurable) at least every four years.