The Equality Act

The Equality Act 2010 replaces the previous anti-discrimination laws with a single Act.  It simplifies the law, removing inconsistencies and making it easier for people to understand and comply with it.  It also strengthens the law in important ways, to help tackle discrimination and inequality.  The Act extends protection to people on the grounds of:

• Sex
• Race
• Disability
• Religion or Belief
• Sexual Orientation
• Age
• Gender Reassignment
• Marriage & Civil Partnership
• Pregnancy & Maternity

What the law requires us to do

Under the Act a new public sector Equality Duty came into force April 2011.  The Duty requires YHN to have due regard to the need to:

• Eliminate unlawful discrimination
• Advance equality of opportunity
• Foster good relations

The duty (subject to further consultation) may also require us to publish by 31^st July 2011 and every 4 years after that:

• Equality outcomes, including information around who we have consulted with
• Equality information covering customer satisfaction
• Access to services and complaints covering all of the protected characteristics
• Employment statistics analysed by the protected characteristics 

Our policies, procedures and working practices in both employment and service delivery reflect our commitment.  We comply with legal requirements and good guidance such as:

• Equality Act 2010
• Social Housing Equality Framework 
• Equality and Human Rights Commission Guidance - Human Rights at Home
  

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