The Equality Bill received royal assent in April 2010, becoming the Equality Act 2010 (referred to in this briefing as ‘the Act’). Many of the provisions of the Act came into force in October 2010.

This briefing sets out for providers some of the key changes the Act will bring. These include a new extended Public Sector Equality Duty, revisions to definitions of discrimination and a widening of the scope of positive action. This briefing will be of interest to senior managers, equality and diversity managers, HR managers, quality managers and all staff with an interest in equality and diversity. It will be relevant for practitioners who work in colleges, or provide adult and community learning or work based learning.

This briefing, prepared by Dr Christine Rose, E&D consultant and LSIS associate, outlines the key changes that the Act brings for the learning and skills sector. It should be read in conjunction with statutory and non-statutory guidance issued by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (www.ehrc.com).