Protected Characteristics
What is a protected characteristic?
Under the Equality Act 2010 we have a duty to ensure that in the things that we do, we give due regard
- Eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment, victimisation and any other conduct prohibited by the Act;
- Advance equality of opportunity between people who share a protected characteristic and people who do not share it; and
- Foster good relations between people who share a protected characteristic and people who do not share it.
The protected characteristics describe different groups of people in our community. The protected characteristics covered by the Equality Duty are:
- Age
- Disability
- Gender
- Gender Reassignment
- Marriage and Civil Partnership
- Pregnancy and Maternity
- Race - this includes ethnic and national origins, colour and nationality
- Religion or Belief
- Sexual Orientation
