Equality Act 2010 & Protected Characteristics

Equality Act 2010

The Equality Act 2010 came into force on 1 October 2010 and brought together over 116 separate pieces of legislation into one single Act.‌

The Equality Act 2010 requires the University, in the exercise of our functions, to give due regard to the need to

• Eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation and other conduct prohibited by the Act.
• Advance equality of opportunity between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not.
• Foster good relations between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not.

‌Equality Act 2010 - UK Government's site

The Act extends to cover the rights of staff and students (including prospective staff and students) and protects against discrimination under nine protected characteristics.   These are

• Age
• Disability
• Gender re-assignment
• Marriage and civil partnership
• Pregnancy and maternity
• Race
• Religion or belief (including lack of belief)
• Sex
• Sexual orientation