As an NHS Integrated Care Board (ICB), we are committed to equality and inclusion.
The Equality Act 2010
The Equality Act 2010 came into force on 1 October 2010. The Equality Act brings together over 116 separate pieces of legislation into one single Act. Combined, they make up an Act that provides a legal framework to protect the rights of individuals and advance equality of opportunity for all.
The Equality Acts 2010 Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED) is set out in section 149 of the Act. In summary, those subject to the general equality and inclusion duty must have due regard (consideration) to the three aims of the general equality duty:
- Eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation.
- Advance equality of opportunity between different groups.
- Foster good relations between different groups.
Due regard requires the Integrated Care Board (ICB) to give consideration in a way that is proportionate to the issue at hand, to the nine protected characteristics when carrying out day to day functions and activities as defined in law through the Brown Principles.
The Equality Act 2010 includes Specific Duties Regulations 2011 which require the ICB to publish annually on how it is meeting the PSED and, every 4 years, produce Equality Objectives.
The Equality Act (2010) focuses on nine protected groups or characteristics:
- Age
- Disability
- Gender reassignment
- Marriage and civil partnership
- Pregnancy and maternity
- Race
- Religion or belief
- Sex
- Sexual orientation
Within the ICB we consider a wider range of characteristics and other vulnerable groups, such as carers and health inequalities associated with social deprivation.