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Equality legislation

The legal requirements for equality and diversity in universities and colleges in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

In England, Scotland and Wales, the Equality Act 2010 brought together and harmonised equality legislation.

Legislation in Northern Ireland is different and is principally from Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998.

Equality legislation across the UK protects staff and students with the following protected characteristics:

Public sector equality duty

The Equality Act introduced a public sector equality duty in England, Scotland and Wales.
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Positive action

Initiatives to overcome the effects of historic discrimination.
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Equality case law

Case law helps to explain what the legislation means in practice.
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Performance of the specific duties in Scotland 2015

As part of the specific duties of the public sector equality duty, listed colleges and HEIs in Scotland were required to report on their progress by April 2015.
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