It is important for care workers and employees to maintain an awareness of the current equality, diversity, and discrimination laws. This includes understanding how these policies are applied in everyday life situations as well as knowing what resources exist if you ever need help with something related to them.

Legislation

Legislation (laws) relating to equality, diversity, and discrimination include:

• The Equality Act 2010: This Act sets out what you can’t do if someone is treated unfavorably because of a protected characteristic. This act replaced previous equal opportunity, disability discrimination, and sex discrimination laws to provide equality in the workplace. The act protects people within 6 different ‘protected characteristics’: Age Disability Gender reassignment Marriage or civil partnership Pregnancy or maternity Race Religion or belief Sex.
• The Human Rights Act 1998: This Act protects the human rights of everyone living in the UK. It provides a framework for organizations to use when thinking about equality and discrimination issues, including how they deal with the many forms of discrimination.
• Mental Capacity Act 2005: This Act clearly states that people should only be deprived of the opportunity to make their own decisions if it is in their best interest. Organizations must provide assessment, care, and support for people who lack mental capacity.
• Care Act 2014: This act requires local authorities to make arrangements to assess an individual’s needs for care and support. Each person must be given the opportunity to express their views, preferences, and aspirations about how they live their life. This act sets out rights to support people who need help with daily living, healthcare needs, etc. Carers receive specific protections under this act.
• Data Protection Act 2018 and General Data Protection Regulations: This act gives rights to individuals, including mandatory policies on data protection. It outlines how information must be processed and stored securely. This act provides strict rules to make sure the information you hold is used only in ways that are both fair and lawful.

Policy

Local and national policies are based on the legislative framework, which is a series of actions or principles designed to adhere to laws. Policies provide a clear and accurate understanding of what is expected of employees.

Your employer may have policies that promote equality, diversity, and discrimination in the workplace. For example, there could be an equal pay or opportunities policy for employees that ensures everyone is treated equally regardless of their gender identity/sexual orientation menstrual status age disability ethnic background, etc.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is an organization that regulates and governs adult care providers. During the inspection process, they will look at what your business does to promote equality and diversity in its facilities

The quality commission ensures high standards for all types of homes across England by conducting regular inspections so you can rest assured knowing someone else has got it under control.