Public Sector Equalities Duty (PSED)

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WHAT IS THE PUBLIC SECTOR EQUALITY DUTY (PSED)?

The PSED (set out in section 149 of the Equality Act 2010) consists of three main elements. In carrying out their functions, public bodies, including all schools, are required to have due regard to the need to:

• Eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation and other conduct prohibited by the Act
• Advance equality of opportunity between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not
• Foster good relations between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not

Three key terms in the public sector duty – ‘discrimination’, ‘equality of opportunity’ and ‘good relations’ – are explained briefly in the Act itself and explained in the practical implications for schools advice issued by the Department for Education (DfE) and the Equality and Human Rights Commission.

The principle underlying the concept of equality of opportunity is that treating people equally does not necessarily involve treating them the same. The legislation requires that account should be taken of people’s differing experiences, needs and histories, and of the differing challenges and barriers which they may face. The Act’s definition of equality of opportunity is complex in its legal terminology but is of substantial importance.

Having due regard to the need to advance equality of opportunity between persons who share a relevant protected characteristic.

Persons who do not share it involves having due regard, in particular, to the need to:

• remove or minimise disadvantages suffered by persons who share a relevant protected characteristic

• meet the needs of persons who share a relevant protected characteristic that are different from the needs of persons who do not share it

• encourage persons who share a relevant protected characteristic to participate in public life or in any other activity in which participation by such persons is disproportionately low.”

The Act also explains that ‘having due regard to the need to foster good relations’ involves, in particular, bearing in mind ‘the need to tackle prejudice and promote understanding’. This clearly has implications for the curriculum and organisation of schools, and for the duty of schools to promote community cohesion.

HOW WE COMPLY TO THE EQUALITY DUTY

To ensure that we meet our obligations under the Public Sector Equality Duty, we are required to comply with the following specific duties:

• To publish information to demonstrate how we are complying with the Public Sector Equality Duty.
• Prepare and publish the school’s equality objectives.

At Wormley CofE Primary School, we are committed to ensuring equality of opportunity and equity for all pupils, staff, parents and carers irrespective of race, gender, disability, belief, sexual orientation, age or socio-economic background. We aim to develop a culture of inclusion and diversity in which all those connected to the school feel proud of their identity and ability to participate fully in school life. 

Our admissions arrangements are fair and transparent and do not discriminate on the grounds of race, gender, religion, belief, disability and/or socio-economic background.

All staff appointments and promotions are made on the basis of merit and ability and in compliance with the law. We are keen to ensure that the staffing of the school reflects the diversity of our community.

We encourage applications from all parts of the community to apply for jobs or to volunteer at our school. 

Accessibility Plan 2022 2025

Review of Equalities Plan 2023

Equalities Plan 2023-26