Equality and Diversity

Strategy

New Equalities Act 2010

Even in leaner economic times our users deserve quality services. The Equality Act is a vital enabler in achieving this goal.

A new Equality Act received Royal Assent on 1 April 2010. It harmonises, strengthens, simplifies & replaces previous legislation. The Government Equalities Office (GEO) has made it clear that public authorities (NHS organisations) must deliver in accordance with the Act. As part of the transitional arrangements, it is proposed that existing race, gender and disability duties will not be repealed before April 2011 when the government expects NHS organisations to be already complying with the general duty of the Act.

The general duty requires NHS organisations to have due regard to the need to:

eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation;
advance equality of opportunity between different groups; and
foster good relations between different groups

The above protection applies to disability, sex, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and sexual orientation (also known as protected characteristics).

GP Commissioning Consortium

According to consultation by GEO, GP Commissioning Consortia should be subjected to the above duty. The government also intends to impose further specific duties on GP Consortium. Further, the Equity & excellence paper has placed the delivery of equalities at the heart of GP consortia functions.

Some Key Changes within Employment and Services

Employment Tribunals - given power to make recommendations that benefit the wider workforce not just the claimant in a successful discrimination claim
Religion & belief - protection beyond scope of the traditional religions, such as humanism or atheism
Revising the definition of gender re-assignment
Greater protection for people with disabilities
Limits the circumstances when an employer can ask health-related questions before you have offered the individual a job. You can only ask health-related questions to help you decide whether you need to make any reasonable adjustments for the person to the selection process

Single Equality Scheme 2009 - 2012

Equality and Human Rights Strategy and Action Plan 2009 -2012

Full version

This overarching strategic plan reflects the importance the Trust attaches to managing equality effectively. Leading by example, it aims to ensure that equality and diversity is embedded in all areas of planning, service delivery and employment. The strategy sets out how the Trust intends to achieve its vision in pursuit of equity.