Equality and Diversity

Everyone should have the same chances to do what they can but some people may need extra help to get the same chances.

The Equality Act and many other kinds of equality work will make Britain a more fair and equal place for everyone.

Equality is right for many reasons

People enjoy life more if they are treated fairly.
The country is richer because each and every person can do what they are best at.
It is easier for people to live side by side and get on with each other if everyone is treated fairly.

Dumfries and Galloway Community Planning public sector partners share a common legal and moral obligation to work together to challenge the barriers that people face arising from discrimination and disadvantage.

We are all required by law to:

Eliminate discrimination, harassment, victimisation or any other prohibited conduct
Advance equality of opportunity by having due regard to:
- removing or minimising disadvantage
- meeting the needs of particular groups that are different from the needs of others
- encouraging participation in public life

Foster good relations - tackle prejudice, promote understanding

We recognise that each partner can contribute to this agenda. The equality legislation breaks all of us down into 9 Protected Characteristics (see below).

The 9 Protected Characteristics are:

Age
Disability
Gender reassignment / Trans gender identity
Marriage and civil partnership
Pregnancy and maternity
Race
Religion or belief
Sex / Gender
Sexual orientation

You can view how our main partners are achieving this agenda by visiting the following links to their website.

The Equality and Diversity Working Group co-ordinates the equality and diversity work in Dumfries and Galloway. It has representatives from public sector and community groups representing the different Protected Characteristics.

Awareness Days Calendar 2023

The Equality and Diversity Working Group have put together a calendar of awareness days, you can view this here: