In the UK, the primary legal obligations around equality, diversity, and inclusion are set out in the Equality Act 2010. This Act brings together elements of equalities law that were previously addressed by separate legislation. It prohibits discrimination based on nine protected characteristics:
- Age.
- Disability.
- Gender reassignment.
- Marriage and civil partnership.
- Pregnancy and maternity.
- Race.
- Religion or belief.
- Sex.
- Sexual orientation.
The Act requires organisations, in their role as both employers and service providers, to treat everyone equally and take steps to prevent discrimination against any of these characteristics. The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is responsible for upholding the Equality Act and investigating complaints of discrimination.