The Equality Act 2010 legally protects people from discrimination. All organisations that provide a service including a University have a duty to comply with the Equality Act 2010.
Who is protected under the Equality Act 2010?
The act protects people on the basis of nine protected characteristics these include:
- 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. There are various forms of discrimination including:
- Direct Discrimination
- Indirect Discrimination
- Discrimination by Association
- Discrimination by Perception
- Harassment
- Sexual Harassment
- Victimisation
What is the Public Sector Equality Duty?
The Public Sector Equality Duty sits under the Equality Act 2010. The 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 its duty and to comply with the Equality Act 2010?
- Read about our our strategic EDI objectives 2021-2025
- Read our latest and historic EDI Annual Reports
- Read our Equality and Diversity Policy
If you feel you may have experienced discrimination or harassment, please contact the Equality Diversity and Inclusion Office via edi@herts.ac.uk.