This page (revision-18) was last changed on 29-Mar-2015 02:06 by Ben Wallace

This page was created on 13-Sep-2012 17:08 by Alison Bennett

Only authorized users are allowed to rename pages.

Only authorized users are allowed to delete pages.

Page revision history

Version Date Modified Size Author Changes ... Change note
18 29-Mar-2015 02:06 10 KB Ben Wallace to previous
17 24-Feb-2015 16:35 11 KB Chris Webster to previous | to last
16 17-Nov-2014 11:56 12 KB Sarah MacLean to previous | to last
15 17-Nov-2014 11:55 12 KB Sarah MacLean to previous | to last
14 07-Mar-2014 12:32 11 KB Sarah MacLean to previous | to last
13 07-Mar-2014 12:31 12 KB Sarah MacLean to previous | to last
12 29-Nov-2012 10:07 12 KB Sarah MacLean to previous | to last
11 27-Nov-2012 16:30 12 KB Sarah MacLean to previous | to last
10 24-Oct-2012 13:07 12 KB Sarah MacLean to previous | to last
9 24-Oct-2012 11:51 12 KB Sarah MacLean to previous | to last
8 19-Oct-2012 16:11 11 KB Sarah MacLean to previous | to last
7 19-Oct-2012 16:10 11 KB Sarah MacLean to previous | to last
6 19-Oct-2012 16:10 11 KB Sarah MacLean to previous | to last
5 19-Oct-2012 16:07 11 KB Sarah MacLean to previous | to last
4 19-Oct-2012 16:06 11 KB Sarah MacLean to previous | to last
3 19-Oct-2012 16:05 11 KB Sarah MacLean to previous | to last
2 19-Oct-2012 16:03 11 KB Sarah MacLean to previous | to last
1 13-Sep-2012 17:08 11 KB Alison Bennett to last

Page References

Incoming links Outgoing links
SectionF.3
SectionF.3

Version management

Difference between version and

At line 22 changed one line
In line with current government agendas of social inclusion and access for all, access to HER services should be available for all'. 'Access' within this context has a broad definition encompassing access to information, facilities/services and buildings'. Failure to take reasonable steps to address such issues could carry legal implications'. Access and quality of service provided by the HER must not be dependent on a person's gender (including caring responsibilities), race, age or disability'. Relevant legislation ensuring equal access to HER services includes the [''Sex Discrimination Act'' (''SDA'') 1975|http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1975/65], the [''Race Relations Amendment Act'' (''RR(A)A'') 2000|http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2000/34] and the [''Disability Discrimination Act'' (''DDA'') 1995'|Disability Discrimination Act ]. It is not enough for an organisation to have a statement that it is committed to eradicating discrimination'. It should be supported by a clear and explicit implementation plan.
In line with current government agendas of social inclusion and access for all, access to HER services should be available for all'. 'Access' within this context has a broad definition encompassing access to information, facilities/services and buildings'. Failure to take reasonable steps to address such issues could carry legal implications'. Access and quality of service provided by the HER must not be dependent on a person's gender (including caring responsibilities), race, age or disability'. The relevant legislation that ensures equal access to HER services is the [''Equality Act 2010''|Bibliography#Equality Act 2010|target='_blank']. It is not enough for an organisation to have a statement that it is committed to eradicating discrimination'. It should be supported by a clear and explicit implementation plan.
At line 26 changed 2 lines
!Disability Discrimination Act
The final part of the [Disability Discrimination Act 1995, Part III|http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1995/50/part/III], implemented on October 1st 2004 concerns access to goods and services (HMSO 1995)'. Knowledge of, and compliance with, this legislation should be a high priority for HERs'. Specific guidelines concerning the implications of the DDA and how best to implement appropriate change can be obtained from the Disability Rights Commission, as well as other specialist organisations such as the Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB), the Royal National Institute for the Deaf (RNID).
!Equality Act 2010
The Equality Act 2010 replaced and unified all the existing anti-discrimination laws with a single Act. It simplified the law, removed inconsistencies and made it easier for people to understand and comply with. It also strengthened the law in important ways to help tackle discrimination and inequality.
At line 29 changed one line
In short, however, HERs should be aware that the act applies to all organisations that provide goods, facilities and services to the public or a section of the public, whether for payment or free of charge'. Refusal to provide a service, providing a lower standard of service, providing a service on less favourable terms and not making reasonable adjustments to enable a disabled person to fully use your service are all unlawful.
The Act applies to all organisations that provide a service to the public or a section of the public, whether it is the public sector, private sector or the voluntary and community sector.
At line 31 changed one line
From October 1st 2004 one of the 'reasonable adjustments' expected from the service provider in order to comply with the Act has included the possibility of physically changing a building to ensure access for all'. Failure to comply with the Act may result in a County Court judgment forcing the service provider to make the necessary adjustments and awarding damages to the complainant'. It is recommended that where HERs receive public visitors a disability access audit be undertaken'. It is also advisable that front line staff dealing with the public receive disability awareness training.
Who is protected?
The Act protects people from discrimination on the basis of ‘protected
characteristics’:
*Age
*Disability
*Gender reassignment
*Pregnancy and maternity
*Race
*Religion or belief
*Sex
*Sexual orientation
*Marriage and civil partnership
At line 33 removed one line
The Equalities Team at Somerset County Council have produced a 'Disability Guide' which covers a broad range of material from information about the Act itself to property management issues through to specific communication needs of people with disabilities, equality training providers and useful contact details'. This can be found at [http://www.somerset.gov.uk/equalopportunities]
At line 45 added 16 lines
What the law prohibits?
*Direct discrimination
*Indirect discrimination
*Discrimination by association
*Discrimination by perception
*Harassment and harassment by third party
*Victimisation
Public Sector Equality Duty
The Equality Act also introduced a Public Sector Equality Duty on all public authorities. In fulfilling this new duty the HER host authority will generally have regard to:
*Eliminating unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation
*Advancing equality of opportunity between different groups and
*Fostering good relations between different groups
At line 40 changed one line
It is important to remember that producing documents in different formats or translations in advance will not ensure equality access to services'. Not only is this a costly exercise, it may be unnecessary'. It is more important for staff teams to be knowledgeable of the needs of their 'customer base', confident about the different processes for arranging alternative formats/translations and to be able to do this quickly and to be trained in equality and diversity to meet the needs of their customers more effectively. Panel 11 gives a model policy statement on access to buildings, facilities, services and information and an example of assessment of disabled access is given in panel 12.
It is important to remember that producing documents in different formats or translations in advance will not ensure equality access to services'. Not only is this a costly exercise, it may be unnecessary'. It is more important for staff teams to be knowledgeable of the needs of their 'customer base', confident about the different processes for arranging alternative formats/translations and to be able to do this quickly and to be trained in equality and diversity to meet the needs of their customers more effectively. [Panel 11|http://archaeologydataservice.ac.uk/ifp/Wiki.jsp?page=SectionF.3#section-SectionF.3-Panel11ModelPolicyStatementAccessToBuildingsFacilitiesServicesAndInformation] gives a model policy statement on access to buildings, facilities, services and information and an example of assessment of disabled access is given in [panel 12|http://archaeologydataservice.ac.uk/ifp/Wiki.jsp?page=SectionF.3#section-SectionF.3-Panel12ExampleOfAnAssessmentOfDisabledAccessBuckinghamshireHER].
At line 69 changed one line
Equal Opportunities Commission [http:\\www.eoc.org.uk]
Equality and Human Rights Commission [http://www.equalityhumanrights.com/]
At line 71 changed one line
Commission for Racial Equality [http:\\www.cre.org.gov.uk]
[Equality Act 2010|Bibliography#Equality Act 2010|target='_blank']
At line 73 removed 4 lines
Disability Rights Commission [http:\\www.drc.org.uk]
Disability Discrimination Act [http:\\www.disability.gov.uk http://www.direct.gov.uk/DisabledPeople/fs/en]
This page (revision-18) was last changed on 29-Mar-2015 02:06 by Ben Wallace Top