Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Equality Law and Human Rights
Equality Law and the RUH
The Equality Act 2010 is a law in Britain that protects people from discrimination from their employers, business or services they use.
There is a special part of the law for public bodies, which includes all NHS providers. In this section it states the public bodies must protect the rights of individuals and groups by meeting the Public Sector Equality Duty.
As a public body we have the duty to:
- Eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation and any other conduct prohibited by the Equality Act.
- Advance equality of opportunity between people who share a 'protected characteristic' and those who don't.
- Foster good relations between those who share a 'protected characteristic' and those who don't.
- publish equality objectives and information to demonstrate compliance with the equality duty.
The Equality Act introduced the term 'protected characteristics' to refer to groups that are protected under the Act. So, it is against the law to discriminate against anyone because of their age, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, sexual orientation, disability, marital status or civil partnership, race, sex equality, religious and spiritual beliefs.
In line with this duty, we publish an annual report that outlines our objectives and how we are meeting our duty.
You can read more about the Equality Act on the Equality and Human Rights Commission website. If you are concerned and want to find out more information about discrimination, Citizens Advice have guidance on understanding your rights and if you have experienced discrimination.
Human Rights
Everyone has basic human rights. These rights are based on many values, including:
- Dignity
- Fairness
- Equality
- Independence
In the UK all public authorities, including NHS organisations, have a duty to respect and promote peoples' human rights. We work together with our system partners, local communities and colleagues to ensure that everyone understands the importance of human rights in health care.
The British Institute for Human Rights has lots of information about your human rights and how they apply.
