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Equality and diversity

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Our ambition is for the NHS to be a service that is responsive to the needs of and accountable to all members of all communities. A service that delivers high quality care for all, that takes appropriate account of individuals' age, disability status, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, sex and gender identity. In short, a service where ‘everyone counts’ and where equality is integral to quality.

Similarly, as the country's largest employer, the NHS should aim to recruit, develop, promote and retain people, across all communities, according to their talent - and reap the benefits of the increased productivity that this brings.

Equality Bill - latest update

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The Equality Bill will significantly strengthen and streamline discrimination legislation to make Britain a fairer and more equal place, including banning age discrimination, increasing transparency on gender pay gaps, and rooting out inequality. It will also make it easier for people and businesses to know their rights and their obligations.

It was first introduced to the House of Commons on Friday 24th April 2009 was re-presented to Parliament on 19 November 2009 and the First and Second Reading stages were taken without debate.

The Report and Third reading stages for the Bill took place in the House on the 2 December being passed with a majority of 330. 

It now goes to the House of Lords with a second reading likely to be sometime in the New Year.

 

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