Equality and Diversity

What do we mean by Equality and

Diversity?
Equality is not about treating everyone
in the same way but rather about
providing the opportunity for equal
outcomes.
Diversity is about recognising and
valuing differences.

Protected Characteristics

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

Why?

Meeting the needs of learners

Tomlinson Report (1996) - seminal in shaping
inclusive learning in FE (see also
excellencegateway.org.uk link in reading list)
Meeting the requirements of legislation

Equality Act
The Act applies to all organisations that provide a
service to the public or a section of the public
(Government Equalities Office, 2010)
Tackles discrimination and inequality
Replaces existing anti-discrimination laws with a
single act
Came into force (mostly) 1st October 2010

Practical Implications

At institutional level
In resourcing
In challenging assumptions and attitudes
In promoting respect for diversity /
highlighting the benefits of diversity
Displays - of learners work / photographs of
teachers and learners
In helping learners to access support within
the classroom/ outside the classroom/
through other agencies

Further Reading
Government Equalities Office (GEO) Equality Act
2010: What do I need to know?
http://homeoffice.gov.uk/equalities/

Reading (contd)
Writing about challenging assumptions and attitudes
(from US)
http://isites.harvard.edu/fs/html/icb.topic58474/hot
moments.html
Information about Inclusive Practice
http://www.excellencegateway.org.uk/page.aspx?o=
114546
Summary of Tomlinson Report
http://www.csie.org.uk/resources/tomlinson-96.pdf