Who is protected under the Equality Act 2010?
There are nine protected characteristics under the Equality Act. These are:
- age
- disability
- gender reassignment
- marriage and civil partnership
- pregnancy and maternity
- race
- religion or belief
- sex
- sexual orientation.
What is Discriminatation?
Discrimination means treating someone unfairly because of a protected characteristic they possess. There are various forms of discrimination to include:
- Direct Discrimination
- Indirect Discrimination
- Discrimination by Association
- Discrimination by perception
- Discrimination arising from a disability
- Harassment
- Sexual Harassment
- Victimisation
If you would like to know more about these, contact the EDI Office via edi@herts.ac.uk.
If you complain about discrimination
The Equality Act protects you if you're treated badly because you've complained about discrimination or stood up for discrimination rights, either for yourself or for someone else.
What is the Public Sector Equality Duty?
The Public Sector Equality Duty requires universities and other public authorities to:
- eliminate discrimination, harassment and victimisation and any other conduct that is prohibited by or under the Equality Act 2010
- advance equality of opportunity between people who share a relevant protected characteristic and people who do not share it
- foster good relations between people who share a relevant protected characteristic and those who do not share it.
What is the University doing to meet the Public Sector Equality Duty?
- You can read about our Equality objectives and operational plan 2016-2020
- You can read our 2016 Annual Report
- You can read our Equality and Diversity Policy