Mental Health Nurse Chris explores how the law protects diversity, equity and inclusion within the workplace, and what nurses can do ensure their workplace is in line with current legislation, as well as what can they do to improve this and raise concerns.
What Is Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion?
Diversity is defined as "the practice or quality of including or involving people from a range of different social and ethnic backgrounds and of different genders and sexual orientations". It is a core value within the nursing profession, as having a diverse and representative workforce contributes towards improving quality and promotes equitable healthcare.
Furthermore, patients using healthcare services come from a broad range of backgrounds and the Nursing and Midwifery Council's 2022-2025 Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Plan states that "everyone deserves safe, effective and kind nursing and midwifery care."
Equality and equity are also two important issues that underpin nursing practice. The terms are often used interchangeably, however there is an inherent difference between the two.
Equality means that each person or group of people is treated equally and provided with the same opportunities and resources. However, equity takes into account the specific needs or circumstances of that individual or group to help achieve an equal outcome.
The concept of equality is about promoting equal rights, status, and opportunities, while equity looks at fairness and impartiality. For this reason, granting equality does not always necessarily address inequality.
Alongside these concepts, inclusion also seeks to promote equitable opportunities. Inclusion is where a workplace culture seeks to welcome everyone, regardless of race, gender identity, sex, ethnicity, ability, religion and age. Inclusive language is used to acknowledge diversity, promote equitable opportunity and is sensitive to difference.
What Is The Law Relating To Diversity, Equity & Inclusion?
Diverse, equitable and inclusive practice should be at the foundation of all healthcare, and the Equality Act 2010 seeks to promote these issues and protect individuals from experiencing discrimination. Discrimination is defined as being treated unfairly due to having a protected characteristic. The Equality Act provides nine protected characteristics, and if a person experiences discrimination because of one of these characteristics, it is unlawful.
The characteristics defined under the Equality Act are: Age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.
Furthermore, if someone is treated differently because a friend or family member has a protected characteristic, this is also unlawful as it is considered discrimination by association.
About this contributor
Registered Mental Health Nurse
I am a Registered Mental Health Nurse working in NHS Forensic Services as a Clinical Nurse Specialist for the Crown Courts. I hold undergraduate degrees in Nursing and Journalism, a Masters Degree in Law (specialising in Human Rights Law) and a Masters Degree in Clinical Research. I am interested in evidence based practice, social justice and supporting those who are at a disadvantage.
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Log In Subscribe to commentMatt Farrah
Matt Farrah
one year agoExcellent, thanks for putting it all so clearly Chris.
Excellent, thanks for putting it all so clearly Chris.
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