Diversity, inclusion and teamworking

Question 1

What is the Equality Act 2010?

Answer 1

The Equality Act protects people from discrimination in the work place and in wider society.

Question 2

Why was the Equality Act 2010 introduced?

Answer 2

Introduced to replace previous anti-discrimination laws under a single act.

Question 3

What are protected characteristics?

Answer 3

Characteristic which are intrinsic to an individuals dignity and autonomy as human beings.

Question 4

Can you name some protected characteristics?

Answer 4

There are nine protected characteristics, these are:

1. Age
2. Disability (mental or physical)
3. Gender reassignment
4. Marital or civil partnership status
5. Pregnancy and maternity
6. Race
7. Religion
8. Sex
9. Sexual orientation

Question 5

Can you explain the types of discrimination?

Answer 5

Direct discrimination - less favourable treatment due to protected characteristic.

Indirect discrimination - unjustified practices, provisions or criteria which disadvantage a group

Harassment - unwanted conduct that has the purpose or effect of violating a persons dignity or is threatening, degrading or offensive to an individual.

Question 6

Under the Equality Act what are reasonable adjustments?

Answer 6

Adjustments required by an employer to accommodate those with a protected characteristic.

Question 7

What factors influence the implementation of reasonable adjustments?

Answer 7

• Cost
• Practicability
• Resources available to the employer