The Equality and Diversity Jigsaw Pieces

As the importance of embracing equality and diversity has been recognized and assumed greater significance over the years, so legislation, statutory and non-statutory requirements, education policy and guidance have been produced each making its own demands on further education and work-based learning providers.

The piecemeal nature of these demands can seem confusing and making sure your organisation can show that it ‘ticks all the boxes’ can seem a daunting prospect, but truly embracing and mainstreaming equality and diversity will do this for you.

What are learning providers required to do?

Equality legislation

Prohibited conduct

Learning providers must comply with equality legislation appropriate to their roles as employers and as education and vocational training providers, public authorities or private and voluntary sector organisations carrying out ‘functions of a public nature’ on behalf of public authorities and/or as service providers.

The legislation outlaws direct discrimination (including discrimination by association, discrimination by perception and discrimination arising from a disability), indirect discrimination, harassment and victimisation because of protected characteristics such as age, disability, gender, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin), religion or belief and sexual orientation.

The following chart provides a brief summary of the types of discrimination that are protected by law.