The Public Sector Equality Duty or “general duty” created under the Equality Act 2010, requires us to have a due regard to:
- Eliminating unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation
- Advancing equality of opportunity between different groups
- Fostering good relations between different groups.
The general duty is supported by two “specific duties” which requires us to:
- Publish information to show compliance with the equality duty every year
- Publish specific and measureable equality objectives at least every 4 years.
Protected characteristics
The general duty protects people from discrimination on the basis of certain categories which are known as 'protected characteristics'. These include:
- Age
- Disability
- Gender reassignment
- Marriage / civil partnership
- Pregnancy and maternity
- Race
- Religion or belief
- Sex
- Sexual orientation.
See the Equality and Human Rights Commission (external link) for further guidance.