The new single Equality Duty represents an exciting next step in equality legislation. The existing public sector equality duties for race, disability and gender were pioneering pieces of legislation which placed the public sector at the forefront of tackling discrimination and inequality.

Many have seen the benefits the existing duties have delivered, but now is the time to go further. We want to extend the benefits of the equality duties to the other protected characteristics of age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, and religion or belief. And we want to emphasise that equality should be at the heart of what the public sector does – not an ‘add on’ or an after thought.

The Equality Duty will require public bodies to think about how they can eliminate discrimination, advance equality of opportunity and foster good relations for all the protected groups.