Everyone Counts

The Equality Act 2010 came into effect on 1 October 2010 consolidating all previous equality legislation into one common framework. The Equality Act protects people from discrimination on the basis of ‘protected characteristics’ which are:
- Age
- Disability
- Gender reassignment
- Marriage and civil partnership
- Pregnancy and maternity
- Race (including ethnic or national origins, colour and nationality)
- Religion or belief
- Sex
- Sexual orientation

To make sure that we do not discriminate and to make sure we treat people fairly, we have an Equality & Diversity strategy called Everyone Counts. This strategy sets out our approach to making sure everyone is included in the work that we do and that no individual or group is discriminated against.

What does equality mean?
SLH will treat everyone in a fair and reasonable way without prejudice or discrimination.

What does diversity mean?
SLH recognises and embraces individuals and groups from different backgrounds.

Why is it important to us?
SLH wants our services to meet the needs of customers and staff. By understanding the diverse needs of the people we serve, we can continuously improve and provide high quality services.

We carry out a lot of work to try to identify and remove barriers that may prevent people from using our services or from working for us. The ways we have done this include:
- Staff trained in the use of type talk
- Had an audit of our offices to meet the disability discrimination act
- Have a mobile hearing loop in the offices
- Provide information in different languages, Braille, large print and audio

We hope that by the work that we do, you will join us in believing Everyone Counts. Our strategy is attached below however if you would like to discuss equality & diveristy issues further, please contact us.

• Everyone Counts Strategy 2011.14 (403 KB)