Equality
Equality Act 2010
The Equality Act 2010 introduced a single Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED). It applies to public bodies, including maintained schools and academies.
The three main elements of the duty
The duty came into effect in April 2011 and has three main elements. In carrying out their functions, public bodies are required to have due regard (see below for a definition of 'due regard') to the need to:
Eliminate discrimination and other conduct that is prohibited by the Equality Act 2010.
Advance equality of opportunity between people who share a protected characteristic and people who do not share it.
Foster good relations across all characteristics, and between people who share a protected characteristic and people who do not share it.
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For schools, age will be a relevant characteristic in consideration of their duties only in their role as an employer, and not in relation to pupils.
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