Equality and Inclusion in Health, Social Care or Children’s and Young People’s Settings

Equality and Inclusion in Health, Social Care or Children’s and Young People’s Settings

Diversity: Diversity literally means difference. Diversity recognises that though people have things in common with each other, they are also different and unique in many ways. Diversity is about recognising and valuing those differences. Diversity therefore consists of visible and non-visible factors, which include personal characteristics such as background, culture, personality and work-style in addition to the characteristics that are protected under discrimination legislation in terms of race, disability, gender, religion and belief, sexual orientation and age
Equality: Equality means treating people in a way that is appropriate for their needs. Equality is about making sure people are treated fairly and given fair chances. Equality is not about treating everyone in the same way, but it recognises that their needs are met in different ways. Equality focuses on those areas covered by the law, namely the key areas of race, gender, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation, transgender and Age.
Inclusion: Inclusion, this is the opposite of discrimination it means to be fully included, to make people feel valued and respected irrespective of ethnicity, gender, disability, medical or other need, culture, age, religion and sexual orientation. It is about giving equal access and opportunities, breaking down barriers and getting rid of discrimination and intolerance.
Discrimination: Discrimination is the prejudicial treatment of an individual based on their membership in a certain group or category. Discrimination covers four areas:
Direct discrimination - treating someone less favourably because of their age, race, sexual preference, disability or belief
Indirect discrimination - applying practices that might favour one group over another or applying requirements or conditions that a particular group are less likely to be able to comply with
Harassment - unwanted conduct that violates a person's dignity and creates a hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for that person
Victimisation - unfair treatment of an employee who has made a complaint about discrimination.
Discrimination may deliberately occur in the work place because they may be being treated less favourable, or treated differently because of their gender, age, race, disability, sexuality, or religion. Discrimination may take place when a rule or policy that applies equally to everybody is more restrictive for people from a certain group. For example if a company gives information about its policies only in English.
By supporting a person’s equality you are treating them as equal and including them in all activities, you will be reducing the likelihood of discrimination.
There are various pieces of legislation in place to promote equality and reduce discrimination. These include: The Disability Discrimination Act 2005, The Race Relations Act 2000, The Human Rights Act 1998, The Sex Discrimination Act 1975 and Employment Equality Regulations 2003.