Equality

Equality objectives

All public bodies as part of the statutory requirements of The Equality Act 2010 are required to have due regard to:

1. Eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimization and other conduct prohibited by the Act
2. Advance equality of opportunity between people from different groups*
3. Foster good relations between people from different groups

*there are currently eight groups with protected characteristics, these are: age, disability, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment and pregnancy and maternity.

The UK Newborn Screening Programme Centre is in the process of developing its equality scheme, which includes our equality objectives and the action plan to deliver them, following a consultation by the UK National Screening Committee.

Timescales

The general duties of The Equality Act 2010 come into force on 5th April 2011.

The specific duties are under consultation until 21st April 2011.

Equality analyses

Public bodies must publish an equality analysis alongside the relevant policy document it relates to. An equality analysis measures the policy against a set of questions to establish any potential negative and positive impacts on groups with protected characteristics. It should be supported by available evidence.

The UK Newborn Screening Programme Centre will conduct equality analyses on policies as they come under review.