The Equality and Human Rights Commission has published non statutory guidance that explains what public authorities in England and non-devolved bodies in Scotland and Wales have to do to comply with the public sector equality duty.
 
From 6 April 2011, when this part of the Equality Act 2010 comes into force, public authorities will need to consider what they are doing to tackle discrimination, harassment or victimisation as well as advancing equality of opportunity and fostering good relations between different groups.
 
The new duty includes age, disability, gender, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and sexual orientation and replaces separate duties for disability, gender (including gender identity) and race established in legislation which has been superseded by the Equality Act 2010.
 
The Commission’s guidance on the public sector equality duty is the latest in its series of publications that explain the Equality Act 2010. All of our guidance can be found on our website at www.equalityhumanrights.com/ea2010.  Please note: we are currently waiting for final clarification from GEO as to whether the reference to schools in the guidance in relation to the publication of information should also refer to any other educational institutions.  Our guidance will be amended to reflect any changes, if necessary. 
 
The Government has also published the final regulations to help public authorities in England and non-devolved bodies in Scotland and Wales make sure they meet these responsibilities following their public consultation on the draft regulations last year.  The final regulations and their consultation report can be found on their website at: www.equalities.gov.uk