Equality Act 2010 : Introduction

The Equality Act 2010 stands as a cornerstone of anti-discrimination legislation in the United Kingdom. Enacted on 1st October 2010, this comprehensive Act brought together and streamlined existing anti-discrimination laws, including the Sex Discrimination Act 1975, the Race Relations Act 1976, and the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, into one singular statute. Its primary objective is to protect individuals from unfair treatment and to promote a fair and more equal society.

The Act outlines nine 'protected characteristics' that safeguard individuals from discrimination in the workplace and in wider society. These characteristics are age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. By encompassing various aspects of identity and life circumstances, the Equality Act 2010 ensures that no individual is subjected to discrimination, harassment, or victimization based on these characteristics. The Equality Act 2010 not only shapes policy and practice within healthcare settings but also serves as a guiding principle for healthcare professionals in their commitment to delivering care that respects and values the diversity of the patient population.