NHS Direct

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Public Sector Equality Duty – NHS Direct’s publication of information

As NHS Direct is a public body we must ensure we comply with a part of the Equality Act known as the General Public Duty. The duty came into force on 5 April 2011. It replaces the three separate duties that previously existed in relation to race, gender and disability. There is now one single duty for nine protected characteristics: age, disability, gender re-assignment, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation and marriage and civil partnership (in respect of eliminating unlawful discrimination).

The duty requires public authorities to have due regard to the need to:

• eliminate discrimination, harassment, victimisation and other conduct prohibited under the Equality Act 2010
• advance equality of opportunity
• foster good relations, tackle prejudice and promote understanding.
  

NHS organisations must, therefore, consider equality issues when making decisions, such as how they:

• act as employers
• provide services
• develop, evaluate and review policy
• commission and procure from others

As a listed public body (NHS Trust) we have published information in our Public Sector Equality Duty document to demonstrate that we have complied with the duty.

We have also published our equality objectives, building on the insight gained from the published information. The duty requires organisations to publish objectives at least every four years.