Single Equality Scheme
The Single Equality Scheme (SES) responds to our statutory duties to promote equality in terms of the Protected Characteristics.
Equality schemes set out the actions the organisation has taken or intends to take in relation to equality. Equality schemes are also an opportunity for organisations to demonstrate how they will:
- meet the implications of the general and specific duties
- involve and consult with appropriate stakeholders
- gather information which is relevant and use it to review the implementation of the scheme objectives
- assess the impact of current and future functions and policies on equality
- implement the actions as stated in the scheme
Organisations are increasingly moving towards adopting single equality schemes to meet the statutory duties, of which NHS Dorset is one. However, while there are similarities within the different strands of equality legislation, there are also significant differences in the statutory obligations that need to be met and which should be covered within the SES – race, disability and gender.
Notable differences between the duties are in regards to implementation dates, gathering information, action plans, setting objectives, impact assessments and reporting arrangements. One of the most fundamental differences is the active involvement of disabled people that is required by the Disability Equality Duty.
Involvement is not the same as consultation and consideration should be given to the planning and resourcing that may be required. SESs also enable employers to address other areas such as religion, belief, age and sexual orientation, which can help in identifying and responding to issues of multiple discrimination.
NHS Dorset’s SES is a living document and is revised on a three yearly basis. If you would like to contribute to the document please contact Charles Summers, telephone number 01305 361249 or e-mail:
charles.summers@dorset-pct.nhs.uk
To ensure that the individual schemes do not get diluted, the original individual Race, Disability and Gender Equality Schemes still exist and are referred to when developing the Equality Action Plan.
Single Equality Scheme (SES) documents
- Single Equality Scheme
- Single Equality Scheme Impact Assessment - August 2010
- Single Equality Scheme Consultation Results
Action plans
- Action Plan Corporate Affairs Directorate March 2010
- Action Plan Resources Finanace and Performance - October 2009
- Action Plan Service Improvment Directorate - October 2009
- Action Plan Business Development IM&T - October 2009
- Action Plan DCHS - October 2009
- Action Plan HR Services - October 2009
- Action Plan Public Health - October 2009
