Equality and diversity

As a service provider, employer and community leader, we value diversity and take our responsibility to promote community cohesion very seriously.

We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and will endeavour not to discriminate against any employee, job applicant or service user on grounds such as gender, age, marital status, social class, race, colour, ethnic or national origin, disability, sexual orientation, unrelated criminal conviction, religion or belief.

Equality does not mean providing the same service for all customers or treating them all in the same way. It is about adapting the service, when and where appropriate or possible, to meet the needs of diverse communities.

Equality Act 2010

The  Equality Act provides a legal framework to protect the rights of individuals and advance equality of opportunity for all.
The nine main pieces of legislation are:

• Equal Pay Act 1970
• Sex Discrimination Act 1975
• Race Relations Act 1976
• Disability Discrimination Act 1995
• Employment Equality (Religion or Belief) Regulations 2003
• Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2003
• Employment Equality (Age) Regulations 2006
• Equality Act 2006, Part 2
• Equality Act (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2007

Who is protected by the Act?

Everyone in Britain is protected by the Act. The 'protected characteristics' under the Act are:

• Age
• Disability
• Gender reassignment
• Marriage and civil partnership (but only in respect of eliminating unlawful discrimination)
• Pregnancy and maternity
• Race
• Religion and belief
• Sex
• Sexual orientation

We must have due regard to the need to:

• Eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation and other conduct prohibited by the Act.
• Advance equality of opportunity between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not.
• Foster good relations between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not.

Eliminate, advance and foster

At Hertsmere Borough Council:

• We will value and understand the diversity of our communities, celebrating our heritage and identities
• We will consult with residents and our communities on matters which affect them, taking into account the diversity of the borough
• We will deliver fully accessible, fair and inclusive services
• We will provide equal opportunities to our employees and encourage a culture of equality within the workplace

Please read Hertsmere Borough Council's response to the General Equality Duty  (PDF 435 KB).

 Equalities monitoring

By collecting monitoring information we can provide evidence that we are reaching the people who need particular services and identify when they are not. This enables us to set realistic targets on how we are going to tackle under-representation of diverse communities.

Equality monitoring questions are not mandatory and will not make a difference to the service you receive. The information is classed as personal data under the Data Protection Act and will be treated confidentially.

The Herts LGBT Guide 2014 (3.39MB PDF) aims to inform Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender people about services in and around Hertfordshire. It also lists local and national information, as well as giving practical tips and advice. 

Young people in Hertfordshire have launched a new website called Young Pride in Herts, which has information and links to advise young people who have questions about coming out, healthcare and where they can go for support.

Equality Advice and Support Service is a free independent service that can provide expert guidance and support for anyone who may experience any type of discrimination. Using the Equality Act 210 and Human Rights Act, advisers are able to discuss and provide support in finding an informal resolution to a complaint/issue.