Equality and diversity

Learning outcomes

• List the nine protected characteristics and the forms of unlawful discrimination
• Support a child's cultural, religious and identity needs in placement
• Recognise and interrupt unconscious bias and microaggressions
• Respond appropriately to discriminatory incidents

Module 1 of 3

The legal framework

The Equality Act 2010 protects nine characteristics: age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. It prohibits direct and indirect discrimination, harassment and victimisation.

Care providers also have a positive duty to make reasonable adjustments. Equality means removing barriers so that every child has the same real opportunity — which sometimes requires treating children differently, not identically.

Module 2 of 3

Identity in placement

A child's heritage, faith, language, diet and appearance are not optional extras. Hair and skin care for Black and mixed-heritage children, access to appropriate food, support to attend a place of worship, and contact with their community all sit within the placement plan.

LGBTQ+ children in care face significantly higher rates of bullying and mental ill health. Use the name and pronouns a child asks for, never out a child to family or peers, and challenge homophobic and transphobic language every single time you hear it.

Module 3 of 3

Bias and challenge

Unconscious bias affects everyone. Research consistently shows Black children in care are more likely to be described as aggressive or older than their years, and disabled children are less likely to be asked their view. Notice the language your team uses in handovers and recording.

Discriminatory incidents between children are logged and addressed as behaviour with a cause, not simply punished. Incidents involving staff are reported through the same route as any other allegation.