New regulations came into force in September 2011 requiring all public bodies, including NHS organisations, to publish information on steps they are taking to comply with the equality duty under the 2010 Equality Act.

The equality duty requires public bodies to prevent unlawful discrimination, promote equality of opportunity and foster good relations between people from different backgrounds and social groups with the following nine ‘protected characteristics’:
• Age
• Disability
• Gender reassignment
• Marriage and civil partnership
• Pregnancy and maternity
• Race
• Religion and belief
• Sex (Gender)
• Sexual orientation

To make this a reality, NHS trade unions and NHS Employers consulted with more than 3,000 patients, carers and people who work in the NHS and voluntary sector to develop a framework to help organisations to deliver these requirements. This is called the Equality Delivery System (EDS) and it was launched on 11 November 2011 by Sir David Nicholson, NHS Chief Executive and Chair of the NHS Equality and Diversity Council.

What's happening in Nottingham City and Nottinghamshire County?
NHS Nottingham City and NHS Nottinghamshire County have developed a strategy to guarantee that they continue to provide quality services and employment for all. This is called the Single Equality and Diversity Strategy (SEDs) and it incorporates the Equality DeliverySystem (EDS). 

Visit www.nottspct.nhs.uk for more information or download the following