We're committed to treating people fairly, advancing equality of opportunity, and dealing with discrimination and harassment, in all their forms. Our policy and strategy for equality and diversity, helps implement this commitment, and includes undertakings in relation to employment and service delivery.
One of the main ways we can do this is by carrying out equality impact analysis, a process which helps inform decisions we make.
We're working hard to advance equality and to tackle discrimination and harassment against people because of their protected characteristics. This includes work to improve race and faith based equality, gender equality, equality for disabled people, for people of all ages, and because of sexual orientation and gender re-assignment.
Acting fairly as an employer is an important way we can demonstrate our commitment to equality. You can find out more about our work to become a fair and diverse employer.
Help with interpretation and translation
If you need the assistance of a face-to-face or telephone interpreter, one of our documents translated into a language other than English, or information to be reproduced in an accessible format, either because your first language is not English, or you have a disability, please let the service you are in contact with know about your needs.
We also have access to interpreters when you call our Call Derbyshire number, including British Sign Language via SignLive.
See our information on the help available when you telephone Call Derbyshire.
Equality diversity and inclusion strategy
We're currently revising our strategy for equality, diversity and inclusion.
Following consultation both inside and outside the council, we are now in the process of redrafting the strategy and hope that a final version will be adopted in March 2022.
If you require any further information, please contact John Cowings, email john.cowings@derbyshire.gov.uk.
Equality Act 2010
The Equality Act 2010 is the main legislation governing equality and discrimination in the UK. It introduced the concept of protected characteristics. There are 9 of these:
- age
- disability
- gender re-assignment
- marriage and civil partnership
- pregnancy and maternity
- race
- religion and belief, including non-belief
- sex
- sexual orientation
Under the act the following are unlawful.
Discrimination
This is where a person is treated less favourably because of a protected characteristic. There are a number of different types of discrimination:
- direct
- indirect
- by association
- arising out of a disability
Harassment
The Equality Act says harassment occurs where the behaviour is meant to or has the effect of either violating your dignity, creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment.
Victimisation
If you're treated badly because you complain about discrimination or you help someone who has been discriminated against, this is called victimisation. Victimisation is unlawful under the Equality Act 2010.
A failure to make reasonable adjustments
If an employer or provider of services fails to make reasonable adjustments, this can amount to discrimination under the Equality Act 2010.
Contact
Any enquiries about our work in relation to equality and diversity can be made to our senior policy officer for equalities, John Cowings, email john.cowings@derbyshire.gov.uk or tel: 01629 538304.