Public sector equality duty

We are committed to promoting equality, diversity and fair treatment for everyone in Swindon. This page explains our equality vision, our responsibilities under the Equality Act 2010 and where you can find related reports and information.

Equality vision

We first published our equality and diversity vision and strategy in April 2010, following the introduction of the Equality Act 2010.

Since then, changes to the council have led us to review our equality objectives and action plan. These changes include organisational restructuring and new ways of working with local people.

Our equality vision is for:

  • Swindon to protect and promote equality and diversity through opportunity, access and fair treatment, while recognising and reducing the effects of inequality
  • Swindon to be an equal society that respects people’s different needs, circumstances and goals by removing barriers that limit opportunities

Public sector equality duty

The Equality Act 2010 places a general duty on public authorities.

When carrying out our functions, we must give due regard to the need to:

  • eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment, 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

We must also publish equality information and set equality objectives. We use this information to support decisions and show how we meet our legal duties.

Protected characteristics

The Equality Act 2010 protects people from discrimination because of:

  • age
  • disability, including physical or mental impairments
  • gender reassignment
  • marriage and civil partnership
  • pregnancy and maternity
  • race, including nationality, ethnicity and colour
  • religion or belief, including no religious belief
  • sex
  • sexual orientation, including lesbian, gay, bisexual and heterosexual identities

Equality objectives

Our equality objectives support our vision and help us meet the public sector equality duty.

Equality data

We use appropriate equality data and evidence to inform our policies, strategies, plans, commissioning and services.

Workforce

We aim to ensure our recruitment and employment practices promote fairness and equality for everyone.

Community engagement

We work with local people to ensure Swindon’s diverse communities are represented fairly in our services, work and development.

Equality impact assessments

We assess how our decisions and service changes may affect equality. This helps ensure new strategic developments support our equality vision and legal duties.

Equality publications and reports

GOV.UK provides guidance about the Equality Act 2010:

Our equality publications and reports cover:

Further information

The Equality and Human Rights Commission provides guidance and a glossary of equality and diversity terms.

You can find more equality data, guidance and resources from:

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