Equality and Diversity
Equality & Diversity: What Does it
Mean?
‘Equality’ means treating
everybody fairly and giving them the same opportunities, regardless
of their personal characteristics. It is also about recognising
that sometimes a person’s circumstances mean that it is necessary
to make 'reasonable adjustments', so that they can participate in
life from the same starting point as everybody else. This is
particularly important in the case of disability, and might include
for example publishing information not only in hard copy, but also
in a form that is accessible to someone with a visual
impairment.
The term 'diversity' refers to the
diverse range of people and communities that exist in today's
society - for example, older and younger people, disabled people,
and different ethnic groups.
It is generally acknowledged that
there are six main diverse groups in society that are particularly
likely to experience inequality. These relate to age, disability,
gender, religion & belief, race and sexuality. These diverse
groups are often referred to as the six ‘equality
strands’.
Community cohesion is simply about
how well people get on. In other words, it is about recognising
local risk factors for tension or misunderstanding between
communities, and managing these relationships
effectively.
The following pages contain information about various elements
of equality and diversity.
Equality Legislation
Equality Impact Assessments
Equality Standard and Framework for Local
Government