Equality duties

The general public sector equality duty came into force on the 5 April 2011 and requires public bodies to pay due regard to the need to:

• eliminate discrimination, harassment and victimisation. 
• advance equality of opportunity 
• foster good relations

The Welsh Government was given power under the Equality Act to bring in Welsh specific duties to help listed devolved public bodies in Wales to achieve these aims.  These public bodies include the Government itself, local authorities, health boards and schools.

At the heart of the Welsh specific equality duties is the need to develop effective equality objectives that focus on outcomes and will really make a difference to people’s lives. Key public bodies listed in the regulations must publish these by 2nd April 2012 as well as develop a Strategic Equality Plan

The Welsh Government also has to fulfil other aspects of the Welsh specific duties, including an equality impact assessment.  Details of how we will do this are contained in the Strategic Equality Plan.

Further information on the Strategic Equality Plan and the Equality Act 2010 is available by using the links on the left hand side of this page.