Equality & diversity

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This subtopic provides guidance for law firms on equality and diversity. It contains information about:

  1. •

    regulatory requirements for E&D and diversity monitoring

  2. •

    diversity monitoring and data protection

  3. •

    protected characteristics

  4. •

    types of discrimination

  5. •

    drafting and implementing an E&D policy

  6. •

    equal pay and terms

  7. •

    gender pay gap reporting

Regulatory requirements

The Equality Act 2010 (EqA 2010) sets out a list of protected characteristics in respect of which discrimination, harassment and victimisation are prohibited. These characteristics are:

  1. •

    age

  2. •

    disability

  3. •

    gender reassignment

  4. •

    marriage or civil partnership

  5. •

    pregnancy or maternity

  6. •

    race

  7. •

    religion or belief

  8. •

    sex

  9. •

    sexual orientation

Employers also have duties under EqA 2010 to take all reasonable steps to:

  1. •

    prevent sexual harassment of employees in the course of their employment

  2. •

    ensure they do not permit harassment of employees by third parties

See: Protected characteristics—overview and Prohibited conduct (discrimination etc)—overview and Precedents:

  1. •

    Policy—equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI)

  2. •

    Policy—equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) (short form)

  3. •

    Policy—harassment and bullying

The...

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