Our equality analysis to ensure compliance with the Equality Act 2010
Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust is required to publish equality information which demonstrates compliance with the Equality Act 2010 in relation to the general and specific duties required of a public body.
The report for the year ending 30 September 2011 demonstrates the Trust's compliance with the principles of the Act and the specific duties to:
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eliminate discrimination, harassment and victimisation;
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advance equality of opportunity between different groups;
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and foster good relations between different groups.
The Act also places specific duties on public bodies to:
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identify all policies, service and functions that are relevant to the general duty;
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assess, consult on and monitor the impact of these policies, services or functions of the general duty;
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publicise the results of the assessments /analysis, consultation and monitoring.
The Act protects people from discrimination on the basis of 'protected characteristics' which used to be called groups. The relevant characteristics for services and public functions are:
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age;
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disability;
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gender reassignment;
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pregnancy and maternity;
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race - this includes ethnic or national origins, colour and nationality;
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religion or belief - this includes lack of belief;
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sex;
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sexual orientation.
It also applies to marriage and civil partnership, but only in respect of the requirement to have due regard to the need to eliminate discrimination.
The report includes evidence of both workforce and patient equality data and analysis and includes activity undertaken by the Trust to ensure equality compliance.
