Public Sector Equality Duty – A summary

What is the public sector equality duty for?

The public sector equality duty is designed to ensure that those carrying out public functions (including public authorities) consider how they can contribute to and help foster a more equal society. They have a duty to promote good relations between different groups and to advocate and advance equality.

In summary:

• Deliver improved outcomes for everyone.
• Develop policies, based on evidence.
• Take action to advance equality.
• Be transparent, accessible and accountable.
• With this policy the onus shifts away from the individual’s need to assert their right to equal treatment onto public authorities. Public authorities are now expected to be pro-active in tackling institutional discrimination.