Equality, diversity and inclusion

Equality legislation

The Equality Act 2010 became law on 1 October 2010 and replaced previous anti-discrimination laws with a single act. It simplified the law into a single source and ensures that everyone who is protected under law from discrimination, harassment or victimisation is afforded the same level of protection.

NHS Highland as a public body is required to ensure that equality and diversity are embedded into all our functions and activities in line with the Equality Act 2010. The Equality Act 2010 also introduced a new public sector equality duty (also known as the general equality duty).

This requires Scottish public authorities to pay 'due regard' to the need to:

• eliminate unlawful discrimination, victimisation, harassment or other unlawful conduct that is prohibited under the Equality Act 2010
• advance equality of opportunity between people who share a relevant protected characteristic and those who do not
• foster good relations between people who share a relevant protected characteristic and those who do not

It is against the law to discriminate against someone because of:

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

See Equality, diversity and inclusion - publications.

Equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace

We recognise that Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) are essential values for our staff, our organisation and our working environment, where everyone is treated with dignity, respect, and compassion.

Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Workforce Strategy 2025-2028 (pdf) sets out our ambition to foster a culture of inclusivity where all individuals can thrive, regardless of their background or personal characteristics.

See Equality, diversity and inclusion - for staff.

Equality, diversity and inclusion in our communities

NHS Highland’s view of equality is about what we can do to create a fairer society. It recognises that:

• equality is an issue for us all
• we don't all start from the same place
• to create a fairer society, we need to recognise different needs

We will focus effort where improvement is most needed to tackle inequalities within and between communities. This may include focusing on the particular needs of people who are disadvantaged or discriminated against because of who they are or their protected characteristic, for example: age, disability, race, sex, sexual orientation, religion or belief.