Equality and diversity
NHS Highland’s view of equality is about what we can do to create a fairer society.
It recognises that:
- equality is an issue for us all
- we don't all start from the same place
- to create a fairer society we need to recognise different needs
We will focus effort where improvement is most needed to tackle inequalities within and between communities. This may include focusing on the particular needs of people who are disadvantaged or discriminated against because of who they are, their protected characteristic, for example: age, disability, race, gender or transgender, religion or belief and sexual orientation.
Equality and diversity
NHS Highland’s view of equality is about what we can do to create a fairer society.
-
British Sign Language (BSL) plans
British Sign Language (BSL) Plan for NHS Highland, and the BSL National Plan.
-
Equality impact assessments and reports
Latest publications relevant to our equality requirements.
Equality Act 2010
The Equality Act 2010 became law on 1 October 2010 and replaced previous anti-discrimination laws with a single act. It simplified the law into a single source and ensures that everyone who is protected under law from discrimination, harassment or victimisation is afforded the same level of protection.
NHS Highland as a public body is required to ensure that equality and diversity are embedded into all our functions and activities in line with the Equality Act 2010. The Equality Act 2010 also introduced a new public sector equality duty (also known as the general equality duty).
This requires Scottish public authorities to pay 'due regard' to the need to:
- eliminate unlawful discrimination, victimisation, harassment or other unlawful conduct that is prohibited under the Equality Act 2010
- advance equality of opportunity between people who share a relevant protected characteristic and those who do not
- foster good relations between people who share a relevant protected characteristic and those who do not
It is against the law to discriminate against someone because of:
- age
- disability
- gender reassignment
- marriage and civil partnership
- pregnancy and maternity
- race
- religion or belief
- sex
- sexual orientation
Important: Feedback, complaints and your rights
The Charter of Patient Rights and Responsibilities summarises what you are entitled to and what is expected of you when you use NHS services and receive NHS care in Scotland. It also explains what you can do if you feel that your rights have not been respected. This page goes into further details regarding details on feedback, advice and support.
Feedback, complaints and your rightsEquality and diversity
-
British Sign Language (BSL) plans
British Sign Language (BSL) Plan for NHS Highland, and the BSL National Plan.
-
Equality impact assessments and reports
Latest publications relevant to our equality requirements.