Protected Characteristics

We believe that everyone in our local communities has the right to be safe and protected from harm, to be treated fairly and with dignity, to live the life of choice, and to take an active part in the community. These fundamental principles of human rights are at the very core of our service delivery. This means that everyone should have equal access to our services and the right to be treated fairly by those services.

The Equality Act 2010

The Equality Act 2010 replaced the previous anti-discriminatory laws with a single Act. This has made it easier to understand and comply with. It has also strengthened the law in important ways that will help tackle discrimination and inequality. The Equality Act applies to all organisations that provide a service to the public, whether a charge is made for the service or not. It also applies to anyone who sells goods or provides facilities. For More information on our duties

Who is protected?

The Act protects people on the grounds of discrimination on the basis of 'protected characteristics':

Age
Disability
Gender Reassignment
Marriage and Civil Partnership
Pregnancy and Maternity
Race including Gypsies and Travellers
Religion or Belief
Sex
Sexual Orientation

Due to the nature of South Somerset and its diverse population, it is recognised that there are certain groups whose needs are also important to address. They are not specifically protected under the Equality Act 2010, but play a part in South Somerset's make up:Carers, Rurality, Armed Forces