What actions do we need to take to be ready for the Equality Act 2010?

The Equality Act 2010 introduces new equality legislation covering employment, facilities, goods and services and education - including the admission and treatment of students.

On 1 October 2010, some of the provisions relating to employment, service delivery and admission and treatment of students will be brought in to force. Specific duties for England relating to the general public sector duty will be brought in to force in April 2011. These apply in England, Scotland and Wales, but do not cover Northern Ireland.

Preparing for 1 October 2010

Higher education institutions can undertake specific actions to be ready for the key changes in legislation that will come in to force in October

• Change in definition of direct discrimination
• Change in definition of specific protected characteristics
• Extended protection for disabled people
• Breastfeeding now explicitly protected
  
• Protection on grounds of pregnancy and maternity extended to students
• New limitations on asking health related questions during staff recruitment and selection
• New protection from third party harassment
  
• Removal of secrecy clause in discussing pay
  

There are also some more general actions institutions should take:

• General actions
  

This information has been prepared by ECU and the Higher Education Equal opportunities Network (HEEON). You can also download a joint briefing outlining key actions for institutions:

• Equality Act 2010: Key actions for the October provisions