Our equality policies and equalities legislation

Our equality and inclusion policies and equality legislation

Our equality policy and government legislation that we follow

Our equality and inclusion policy

Our equality policy and strategy sets out our commitment to equality and diversity, and how we will:

  • tackle equalities issues
  • aim to eliminate discrimination
  • create good relationships between communities in Bristol
  • ensure those from different backgrounds have similar life opportunities

Our Equality and Inclusion Policy and Strategy 2018 - 2023 (pdf, 1.3MB) (opens new window)  sets out how we will do this. 

The Equality and Inclusion Policy and Strategy was informed in part by an independent review of our equality and diversity function:

For accessible versions of the policy and strategy see our:

Annual progress reports

Our Equality and Inclusion Annual Progress Reports show what we have done to achieve the aims of our policy and strategy, and the progress we have made.

Equality and Inclusion Annual Progress Report 2020-21 (pdf, 982KB) (opens new window)

Appendix reports:

Equality and Inclusion Annual Progress Report 2019-20 (pdf, 405KB) (opens new window)

Equality Act 2010

Equalities legislation gives organisations rules about how equalities groups should be treated and guidance on how to implement these rules. 

The Equality Act 2010 provides legal protection for people in the workplace and in wider society from discrimination, harassment and victimisation. 

Protected Characteristics 

The Equality Act 2010 also sets out nine protected characteristics or equalities groups.

The Act provides protection if you experience discrimination because of your:

  • age
  • disability
  • gender reassignment
  • marriage and civil partnership
  • pregnancy and maternity
  • race
  • religion or belief
  • sex
  • sexual orientation

Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED) 

The Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED) which is set out in the Equality Act 2010 says that public bodies must aim to: 

  • eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation
  • 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 

Environmental Access Standards

Our Environmental Access Standards (pdf, 1.9MB) (opens new window) shows how to design the built environment so that its accessible for everyone. 

The standards take into account local expectations of good accessible design and national changes in technical, legal
and governmental guidance to promote Best Practice in environmental design.