The Equality Act (2010) is in place to protect people from discrimination and to promote opportunity on the grounds of:
These nine aspects are referred to as protected characteristics. The legislation brings together several previous pieces of legislation, such as the Sex Discrimination Act 1975. The discrimination against such protected characteristics can be classed as direct, indirect, victimisation or harassment.
Staff should be considerate of these characteristics when dealing with patients and when interacting with other staff. Failure to consider these issues could offend, could harm and could potentially be breaking the law. Consideration of individual needs can offer better treatment for patients. Offering the same consideration to colleagues, and challenging inappropriate behaviour and language within the workplace, can ensure a safe, productive, inclusive working environment for all.