Meeting our equality duty
The Public Sector Equality Duty or 'general duty' created under the Equality Act 2010, requires us to have a due regard to:
- eliminate discrimination, harassment and victimisation and any other conduct that is prohibited by or under the Act
- advance equality of opportunity between people who share a relevant protected characteristic who do not share it
- foster good relations between people who share a relevant protected characteristic who do not share it
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 measurable equality duties at least every 4 years
Protected characteristics
The Equality Act introduced the term 'protected characteristics' to refer to groups that are protected under the Act, these are:
- age
- disability
- gender reassignment
- marriage and civil partnership
- pregnancy and maternity
- race
- religion or belief
- sex
- sexual orientation
It is important to note that carers are also protected through association to any of the above 9 characteristics.
In addition, Dorset Council recognises that there are a range of other groups/people that may face additional disadvantage and discrimination and we consider these when making decisions. They include:
- people who are rurally isolated
- people on low incomes/in poverty
- single parents
- people with a military background and their families
- gender identity
- gender expression
- people who are care experienced
See Equality and Human Rights Commission for further guidance.
The Dorset Council Equality Scheme details our key equality objectives for 2019-2023. The Equality Scheme is supported by a detailed action plan, which will be reviewed on an annual basis.