Equality can be defined as “the state of being equal, especially in status, rights, or opportunities”.
The Equality and Human Rights Commission in their resources for secondary schools, explain the meaning of equality as, “Equality is about ensuring that every individual has an equal opportunity to make the most of their lives and talents.
It is also the belief that no one should have poorer life chances because of the way they were born, where they come from, what they believe, or whether they have a disability.
Equality recognises that historically certain groups of people with protected characteristics such as race, disability, sex and sexual orientation have experienced discrimination”.
The Equality Act 2010 sets out the personal characteristics that are protected by the law and the behaviour that is unlawful. Protected characteristics are:
Inclusion is about the culture you create in school and the workplace – an environment where different people can come, feel comfortable and be themselves. It ensures that everyone feels valued and is able to maximise their potential.
The measurable inclusion of different types of people.
