Introduction to the Gender Equality Duty
The Gender Equality Duty came into force in England and Wales in April 2007 and is considered the biggest change in sex equality legislation in thirty years, since the introduction of the Sex Discrimination Act. The Gender Equality Duty requires public authorities to promote equality between men and women and eliminate unlawful sex discrimination, and is an opportunity for public sector managers to demonstrate they actively promote equality between men and women and look at the way that public policy and public services are designed and delivered.
Most importantly the duty is recognition of the need for a new approach to achieving equality in the workplace, one which places more responsibility with service providers to ensure gender equality is firmly embedded in strategic planning.
The approach taken by each organisation will be varied to suit their own functions and services, but all public authorities need to take account of their duties to promote gender equality.
For more information please download Equal Opportunities Commission Guidance
Consulting stakeholders on gender equality
Developing gender equality objectives and scheme
First Steps on gender equality duty guidance
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