​The Equality Act 2010 (the Act) came into force on 1 October 2010.

The Act is intended to simplify, harmonise and strengthen past discrimination legislation. 

The Act introduces the terminology of "protected characteristics" to which it applies in a consistent way the traditional elements of direct discrimination, indirect discrimination, victimisation and harassment.

The protected characteristics are: - age; disability; gender reassignment; marriage and civil partnership; pregnancy and maternity; race; religion or belief; sex; and sexual orientation.

Further information about the Act (including a range of "good practice" guides) can be obtained from the below links:

Equality and Human Rights Commission

www.equalityhumanrights.com/legal-and-policy/equality-act/

Government Equalities Office

www.equalities.gov.uk/equality_act_2010.aspx

Advisory Conciliation and Arbitration Service​

www.acas.org.uk/index.aspx?articleid=3017

You may also contact Cheryl Farmer, Patient Inclusion and Experience Lead

on 0151 430 1042​ or email: Cheryl.Farmer@sthk.nhs.uk