Public Sector Equality Duty
The Public Sector Equality Duty came into force across United Kingdom on 5 April 2011.
What is the public sector Equality Duty?
The Public Sector Equality Duty requires public bodies to consider all individuals when carrying out their day to day work – in shaping policy, in delivering services and in relation to their own employees. The Equality Duty is Section 149 
of the Equality Act. It is a duty on public bodies to have due regard to the need to eliminate discrimination, advance equality of opportunity, and foster good relations between different people carrying out their activities.
Guidance for public bodies
The Government Equalities Office has published two quick start guides to help public bodies understand the Equality Duty and the specific duties
Quick Start Guide: Public Sector Equality Duty
Quick Start Guide: Specific Duties
The Equality and Human Rights Commission is the statutory body established to help eliminate discrimination and reduce inequality. The Commission expects to consult on a draft Code of Practice, explaining the law in more detail, for laying before Parliament in spring 2012.
For further details, please contact the NHDC policy team via Customer Service Centre.
