What is Equality?

Equality of opportunity...

			is about social justice
			recognizes that disadvantage and discrimination exist in the society
			seeks to remove disadvantage and discrimination by action

It is about treating people fairly and without bias and about creating conditions in the workplace and wider society that encourage and value diversity and promote dignity.  

It is also about trying to redress past imbalances and ensuring that dealings with clients, customers and suppliers are conducted in a constructive way which does not give rise to unjustified discrimination and supports appropriate inclusion.  

Equality of opportunity states that people should have the same opportunities regardless of different physical features, characteristics, interests, intelligence, talent and strength, work, wealth or reputation, and there should be no special privileges. Consideration, advancement and reward should be based only on merit - an ability to do a certain job or meet specified, agreed criteria.

What is Diversity?

Diversity is an inclusive concept concerned with creating an inclusive environment and practices which benefit the organisation and those who work in and with it. It is based on the belief that for good business, moral and legal reasons people should be valued as individuals.   It takes account of the fact that people differ from one another in many ways: for example gender, age, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, physical ability, mental capacity, religion and belief, education, economic status, personality, communication style and approaches to work. These differences can result in varying experiences, values, ways of thinking, behaving, communicating and working. Managing diversity is based on a positive view of difference and a commitment to valuing individuals for business reasons, in addition to social and moral ones. Understanding, valuing and effectively managing these differences can result in greater participation that can be leveraged for success at an individual, team and organisational level. It can help to combat prejudice, stereotyping, discrimination, harassment and unfair behaviour and support people to give of their best, gain satisfaction in their working lives and to be aware of the impact that actions and words can have on others.

For more information on Equal Opportunities and Diversity, please follow the link.