Equality law

Under the Equality Act introduced in 2010, the University has obligations as an employer and as an education provider.

The law means that we have a responsibility 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.

‘Protected characteristics’ are the grounds on which discrimination is unlawful: age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.

As a public sector institution, the University is also expected to:

• publish information to demonstrate compliance with the general equality duty
• prepare and publish one or more equality objectives.

NEW! Ban on age discrimination when supplying goods and services.

From 1 October 2012 a new law is coming into force banning age discrimination by businesses when supplying goods and services and, at the same time, laws will also come into force prohibiting age discrimination by public bodies when providing services to the public and by clubs and associations. The relevant law is set out in the Equality Act 2010.

Under the University's Equality Policy and Strategy 2011-14 (The Policy), all services and facilities provided by the University must operate in accordance with The Policy which sets out how the University aims to ensure that it meets its legal responsibilities to eliminate unlawful discrimination, advance equality of opportunity and foster good relations. In addition, under The Policy, all external businesses and organisations that provide a service to staff, students or both are expected to comply with equality legislation.

There are a number of exceptions to the ban, for example in relation to aged-based concessions and for businesses offering financial services. More information is provided by the Home Office and the Equality and Human Rights Commission.

Find out more

Frequently asked questions
Visit the Equality and Human Rights Commission website.
Visit the Equality Challenge Unit website.