Equality policy 2024 to 2026

2.1 The Public Sector Equality Duty came into force in April 2011 (s.149 of the Equality Act 2010). It outlines the requirements of public authorities to have due regard to:

a) eliminate discrimination, harassment, victimisation and any other conduct that is prohibited by or under the Equality Act 2010;

b) advance equality of opportunity between persons who share a relevant protected characteristic and persons who do not share it; and

c) foster good relations between persons who share a relevant protected characteristic and persons who do not share it.

2.2 To ensure transparency, and to assist in the performance of this duty, the Equality Act 2010 (Specific Duties) Regulations 2011 require public authorities to publish:

a) Equality objectives, at least every four years (from 6 April 2012)

b) Information to demonstrate their compliance with the Public Sector Equality Duty (from 31 January 2012).

2.3 Protection from unlawful discrimination is provided by the Equality Act in relation to the following nine protected characteristics:

• age
• disability
• gender reassignment
• *marriage and civil partnership
• pregnancy and maternity (which includes breastfeeding)
• race
• religion and belief
• sex
• sexual orientation

(*Although marriage and civil partnership is a protected characteristic under the Equality Act, it is not covered by the second two objectives of the Public Sector Equality Duty)

2.4 Buckinghamshire Council also has policies which consider the impact of services on specific groups/themes including carers, looked after children, foster carers, single parent families, the Armed Forces and customers at risk of social isolation.

2.5 The Public Sector Bodies (Website and mobile applications) Accessibility Regulations 2018 set out that all new public sector websites will need to meet accessibility standards and publish an accessibility statement. All content published to the Buckinghamshire Council website will go through a design process to comply with accessibility guidance.