Equality, diversity and inclusion

At Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire ICB, we are committed to commissioning (designing and buying) health and care services that respect and respond to the diversity of our local population.

We are equally committed to attracting and developing a diverse workforce that properly reflects the communities we serve.

We aim to provide equality and fairness for all, and not to discriminate on any basis.

Our legal responsibilities are set out in the Equality Act 2010. We work closely with local people, patients, providers, staff and voluntary organisations to help reduce inequalities and eliminate any discrimination within our services and working environments.

Other pages in the Equality, diversity and inclusion section:

Definitions of terms related to equality, diversity and inclusion

Equality is ensuring individuals or groups of individuals are treated fairly and equally and no less favourably, specific to their needs.

Diversity aims to recognise, respect and value people’s differences to contribute and realise their full potential by promoting an inclusive culture for all.

Discrimination is defined in the Equality Act 2010 as less favourable treatment because of a protected characteristic.

Protected characteristic is a term used in the Equality Act 2010 to describe who is protected by the Act. The protected characteristics defined by the Equality Act are: age, sex, race (including ethnicity and nationality), disability, sexual orientation, religion or belief, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity and marriage or civil partnership.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) provides definitions for each protected characteristic.

The Equality Act 2010

The Equality Act 2010 brings together a raft of protections against discrimination and duties for public bodies in a single Act.

Read the Equality Act 2010

The ICB recognise our duties within the Equality Act to:

  • Elimination of all unlawful discrimination – including harassment and victimisation and any other conduct prohibited by the act.
  • Advancing equality of opportunity – between people who share a protected characteristic and people who do not share it.
  • Fostering good relations – between people who share a protected characteristic and people who do not share it.