Public Sector Equality Duty

The Public Sector Equality Duty, which is part of the Equality Act 2010, establishes both general and specific duties for public bodies, such as the council.

In this section:
Public Sector Equality Duty explained

Public Sector Equality Duty explained

The Public Sector Equality Duty, which is part of the Equality Act 2010, establishes both a general and specific duties for public bodies such as the council.

By law, public bodies must try 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.

The Act explains that 'due regard' for advancing equality involves:

  • removing or minimising disadvantages experienced by people due to their protected characteristics
  • taking steps to meet the needs of people from protected groups where these are different from the needs of other people
  • encouraging people from protected groups to participate in public life or in other activities where their participation is disproportionately low.

Further information

Page last updated: 16 Nov 2023