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What is equality and diversity?

These are explained in more detail below.

Equality

This is about making sure people are treated fairly and given fair chances. Equality is not about treating everyone in the same way, but about recognising that individual needs are met in different ways.

‘Equal opportunity’ is only one part of equality, along with equal access and equal treatment.

Equality focuses on areas covered by the law. These key areas are:

• Race
• Gender
• Disability
• Religion or belief
• Sexual orientation
• Age

Diversity

This is about valuing individual differences. A diversity approach aims to recognise, value and manage differences to enable all employees to contribute and realise their full potential. Diversity challenges us to recognise and value all sorts of differences in our employees, customers and stakeholders to make the company a better place for everyone.

Why does equality and diversity matter?

Our focus on equality and diversity makes sure that we provide the best services to customers reqardless of their background, identity or circumstance. Equality and diversity applies to everyone.

We have six 'streams' that cover race and ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation, disability and faith.

However our typical customer groups are:

• Older people
• Black and ethnic minority residents
• Younger people
• Lone parents
• Residents living with mental health distress or mental ill health
• Disabled residents and carers
• Vulnerable residents, particularly those receiving a Supporting People grant
• Lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender residents
• Gypsies and travellers
• Asylum seekers and refugees