What is the Public Sector Equalities Duty?
The single Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED) came into effect in April 2011 as a result of the Equality Act 2010. It requires public bodies to promote equality and replaced three pre-existing duties relating to disability, race and gender equality.
The PSED applies to all maintained and independent schools, including academies, and maintained and non-maintained special schools.
The Department for Education (DfE) has published non-statutory advice that sets out schools' obligations under the PSED.
Paragraph 5.1 explains that the PSED extends to the following protected characteristics:
Race, disability, gender, sex, age, religion or belief, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, gender reassignment
Paragraph 5.1 of the document explains that the PSED has three main elements. In carrying out their functions, public bodies are required to have due regard to the need to:
We eliminate discrimination by:
We advance equality of opportunity by:
We foster good relations by:
Paragraph 5.4 of the DfE's advice says that 'due regard' has been defined as giving "relevant and proportionate consideration to the duty".
For schools, this means:
Equality Objectives
Schools are expected to report on how they meet the PSED and this includes setting objectives (which should be reviewed at least every four years). At XXXX School, we are committed to ensuring equality of education and opportunity for all pupils, staff, parents - irrespective of race, gender, disability, belief, religion or socio-economic background.
In order to further support pupils, raise standards and ensure inclusive teaching, we have set the following equality objectives:
Achievement:
We are committed to improving the attainment and raising the aspiration of all groups of pupils â
Teaching and Learning:
We will ensure that our curriculum promotes understanding between different groups of people, cultures and societies, tackles stereotypes, challenges pupil’s perceptions and promotes British values. â
Behaviour and safety:
We will maintain a rigorous anti-bullying stance so that all pupils are protected from harassment and discrimination, and deal with the use of discriminatory, homophobic or otherwise offensive language in line with our behaviour policy.
Leadership and Management:
Consistent application of our policies and procedures, ensuring that our systems for recruiting, retaining and managing staff support all those in groups protected by the Equalities Act. â
We will endeavour to raise levels of parental and pupil engagement in learning and school life, across all activities, including regular attendance.
Objective 1: To monitor and analyse pupil achievement by race, gender and disability and act on any trends or patterns in the data that require additional support for pupils.
Objective 2: To raise levels of attainment in core subjects for vulnerable learners.
Objective 3: To review levels of parental and pupil engagement in learning and school life, across all activities to ensure equity and fairness in access and engagement.