We deliver services that are fair, accessible and open to everyone. We communicate to staff, customers, communities and our partners about the importance of treating people fairly, and celebrating our differences.

Equality is covered in law by the Equality Act 2010 which protects nine characteristics that people have:

• Age
• Disability
• Gender reassignment
• Marriage and civil partnership
• Pregnancy and maternity
• Race
• Religion or belief
• Sex
• Sexual orientation

Equality is treating these different groups of people fairly and in such a way that they’re all able to have the same outcomes. When a person feels that they have not been treated fairly because of one of these characteristics, it is called unlawful discrimination.

Diversity is difference. Everyone has their differences whether it is the way they dress, the way they speak or what their moral values are. One of our roles is to encourage understanding, appreciation and celebration of these differences within our communities, and to ensure that our residents feel confident in expressing diversity.