Equality is about ensuring that everyone is treated fairly, equally, and given the same opportunities regardless of race, gender, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation or age.
Diversity refers to the visible and invisible differences between people, respecting and accepting an individual’s values, attitudes, cultural perspectives, beliefs, ethnic background, skills, knowledge and life experiences.
We are committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, learning environment free from discrimination, harassment or victimisation.
The Equality Act 2010 brought together previous equality laws into one piece of legislation. The Act is a law that protects the rights of individuals and supports equal opportunity for all, promoting a fair and more equal society.
It is against the law to discriminate against someone based upon the following protected characteristics
Age: A person who is a particular age or belongs to a certain age group.
Disability: A person has a disability if they have a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on that person's ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities.
Gender reassignment: Gender reassignment is process of transitioning from one gender to another.
Marriage and civil partnerships: Marriage is a union between a man and a woman or between a same-sex couple. Couples can also have their relationships legally recognised as Civil Partnerships. Civil partners must not be treated less favourably than married couples.
Pregnancy or maternity: Pregnancy is the condition of being pregnant or expecting a baby. Maternity refers to the period after a birth and is linked to maternity leave. Equality in maternity includes not treating a person unfavourably because they are breastfeeding.
Race: Race refers to a group of people defined by their race, colour, or nationality (including citizenship), ethnic or national origins.
Religion or belief: Religion refers to any religion, including a lack of religion. Belief refers to any religious or philosophical belief and includes a lack of belief. Generally, a belief should affect your life choices or the way you live for it to be included in the definition.
Sex: The gender an individual identifies as.
Sexual orientation: Sexual orientation is how a person identifies their sexual attraction towards others, towards their own gender, opposite gender, both or neither.