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Equality and human rights
Equality and human rights play a vital part in the work of the Department of Health. Every member of society is likely, at some point, to be a recipient of health and social care. DH welcomes diversity in society, acknowledging that experiences, aspirations and needs are also diverse.
This applies equally to minority groups, those who have been traditionally excluded and to those whose voices are seldom heard by the health and social care system.
The work of the Equality and Human Rights Group (EHRG)
DH and the NHS work together to eliminate discrimination and disadvantage in their workforces, whilst endeavouring to recruit and retain a diverse range of people at all levels. DH also works with colleagues across the NHS to reduce health inequalities and improve health outcomes.
Single Equality Scheme
The Department has set out how it will, through its Single Equality Scheme, meet its legal duties required by equality legislation as well as on age, religion and belief and sexual orientation.
Department of Health equality framework: priorities for action
This document serves as the overarching framework for all of the Department’s activities in relation to equality, including existing and future Race Equality Schemes developed under the Race Relations Act (as amended) by the Department and its agencies.
Guidance on developing local communication support services and strategies
This summary is aimed at NHS commissioners and those involved in service development, responsible for developing local communication support services and strategies. These local strategies should form part of wider actions to provide equitable access for local communities and to achieve patient-centred services.
General Whitley Council agreement
The General Whitley Council (GWC) has reached a new agreement which supersedes Sections 7 to 13 of its Handbook. The aim of this agreement is to make equality and diversity part of everything that the NHS does. This agreement should be inserted in the handbook as Section 7 and registered as GWC handbook amendment No. 113.
Case studies
These case studies have been collected from across the NHS and social care. They show different equality and human rights based projects and approaches, and are intended to provide ideas and insights to colleagues in healthcare who are responsible for equality and diversity issues.
Additional links
Equality and Human Rights Commission
The new Commission for Equality and Human Rights became operational on 1 October 2007.
Equality and Human Rights bulletin
A bulletin for equality leads and everyone working in health and social care with responsibility for, or interest in, equality issues.
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