Introductory awareness of equality and inclusion in health and social care (adults and children and young people)

Learning Objectives

By the end of the end of the session you will

1. Define equality, diversity and inclusion

2. State how equality and inclusion form the basis for the principles and values of health, social care and children’s and young people’s settings

3. Describe discriminatory attitudes and how they can affect individuals

4. Describe discriminatory behaviours and how these can affect individuals

Learning Objectives

By the end of the end of the session you will

5. State the social and physical barriers that may prevent equality and inclusion

6. Describe how barriers to equality and inclusion may be overcome

7. Describe behaviours that may promote equality and inclusion.

Where are they from?

Primary Characteristics

Genetic characteristics are inborn and cannot be changed. They will impact on our experiences, values, assumptions and expectations throughout life. 

Primary Characteristics

Some primary characteristics are visible:

Age GenderRace/

Nationality

Primary Characteristics

Some primary characteristics are not always visible:

Equality and diversity legislation protects these primary characteristics.

Mental/Physical Ability

Sexual Orientatio

n

Religious Beliefs

Secondary Characteristics

Secondary characteristics are also differences that affect our lives.

Education

Work experience Income

Marital status

Geographic location

Parental status

Behavioural style

Diversity

The differences in each of us. 

Diversity

Diversity is about understanding that each individual is unique and recognising, accepting, respecting and celebrating individual differences.

 

Equality

Equality is treating people fairly and with mutual respect.

 

Inclusion

Inclusion is about taking deliberate action to meet the needs of different people and make everyone feel respected and able to achieve their full potential. 

Equality LegislationThe Equality Act 2010 requires public authorities to meet their legal duties to promote equality in everything that they do.

This law covers all aspects of equality, such as:

• Equal pay • Sex discrimination • Race relations • Disability discrimination • Age, sexual orientation and religion or belief equality

regulations

Equality and Inclusion in the Key Principles of Health and Social Care

Each of these principles positively strives to meet the needs of different people and takes deliberate action to treat people in a way that is appropriate for their needs.• Dignity• Respect• Independence• Privacy• Choice• Right• Individuality• Partnership

Discrimination

Discrimination is defined as distinguishing differences between things or treating someone as inferior based on their race, sex, national origin, age or other characteristics.

StereotypingStereotyping: A fixed idea or assumption about an individual or group of people.

“All women are bad drivers ”

“All black people are fast runners”

Prejudice

“Giving black people precedence in athletic teams”

“Not employing women in roles that involve driving”

Prejudice: any preconceived opinion or feeling whether favourable or unfavourable.

Barriers

Physical barriers • Physically prevent a person or group of people from

accessing facilities.

Social barriers • Prevent a person from participating in events or a

particular lifestyle.

Behaviours that May Promote Equality and Inclusion

• Developing understanding of different beliefs, cultures, values and preferences

• Treating people fairly regardless of age, gender, religion etc. 

• Listen to and respect other people’s views, • Do not impose your own values on others. • Do not make assumptions• Do not discriminate

Finding out About Person Centred Practice

Recommended websitesMencap - Person-centred approaches https://www.mencap.org.uk/about-learning-disability/information-professionals/person-centred-approaches

Person Centred Planning in Central Lancashire http://www.csrpcp.cswebsites.org/default.aspx?page=16595

Person Centred Practice

The person is at the centre of their care and support and is fully in control of their own life.

Carers should listen to the persons needs, wishes, likes and dislikes and understand the importance of meeting their needs, in a way that is right for them.

The individual will have been involved in planning and implementing the care they want and will be given all information to enable them to make informed choices.

Introductory awareness of equality and inclusion in health and social care (adults and children and young people)