Protected Characteristics

The Equality Act 2010 protects everyone in Britain from discrimination, harassment and victimisation. It applies to all individuals because it safeguards people based on characteristics that we all possess.

The Act identifies nine Protected Characteristics:

  1. Age
  2. Disability
  3. Gender reassignment
  4. Race
  5. Religion or belief
  6. Marriage or civil partnership
  7. Sex
  8. Sexual orientation
  9. Pregnancy and maternity

The Equality Act protects individuals from discrimination in many areas of daily life, including:

  • Employment and the workplace
  • Accessing public services such as healthcare and education
  • Using businesses and organisations that provide goods and services (e.g. shops, restaurants, cinemas)
  • Transport services
  • Membership of clubs and associations
  • Contact with public bodies such as local councils and government departments

At St Thomas, Halliwell CE Primary School, the nine Protected Characteristics are actively promoted throughout school life. This is achieved through:

  • Our school ethos and core values
  • Our curriculum
  • Our positive behaviour policy
  • Positive role modelling by all adults
  • Strong engagement with parents and carers
  • Celebration assemblies
  • Promotion of British Values, SMSC, Equality and Diversity across the curriculum
  • The work of the Ethos Team
  • Cross-curricular discussions
  • PSHE, RE and RSE lessons
  • Sporting, artistic and cultural events
  • Enrichment opportunities
  • Pupil and staff voice initiatives
  • Educational visits and trips
  • Real-life learning experiences
  • Links with the local community
  • Extra-curricular activities and charitable work

Embedding the Protected Characteristics within the ethos of the school helps to develop:

  • Self-esteem, self-awareness and confidence
  • Respect for democracy and participation
  • Responsibility for personal behaviour
  • Respect for different cultures
  • An understanding of how to contribute positively to school, home and the wider community
  • Knowledge of equality, human rights and the law
  • Awareness of how citizens can influence decision-making
  • Appreciation of the rule of law and its role in keeping people safe
  • Respect for freedom of belief
  • Tolerance and acceptance of different faiths and beliefs
  • The ability to recognise and challenge discrimination

An Introduction to the Equality Act 2010

Everyone in Britain is protected from discrimination, harassment and victimisation under the Equality Act 2010. If you are disabled, you have additional rights, such as the right to reasonable adjustments. You can find out more about this and other important sections of the Equality Act through our website or our other videos.