Promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion is essential to providing person-centred care. Everyone who works in health and social care must treat people with dignity and respect, recognising their individual needs, values, and beliefs.

This free Care Certificate Standard 4 online course helps you understand your legal and professional responsibilities in promoting inclusion and challenging discrimination. You’ll learn how to create a fair, inclusive environment where everyone is valued and supported.

Why Take This eLearning Course?

Equality and diversity are fundamental to safe, high-quality care. Every individual — whether a service user, colleague, or visitor — has the right to be treated equally and without prejudice.

This course is designed to help you:

• Understand key principles: Learn what equality, diversity, inclusion, and discrimination mean in everyday practice.
• Promote inclusion: Discover how to work in a way that respects people’s culture, background, and choices.
• Challenge discrimination: Gain confidence in identifying and addressing unfair practices in a positive and professional way.
• Meet legal requirements: Understand the legislation and codes of practice that guide inclusive care in the UK.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Define the terms diversity, equality, inclusion, and discrimination.
• Recognise how discrimination can happen deliberately or unintentionally in a care setting.
• Explain how inclusive and fair practices reduce the likelihood of discrimination.
• Identify key laws and codes of practice, such as the Equality Act 2010, that apply to your role.
• Demonstrate how to interact respectfully with individuals, acknowledging their beliefs, culture, and preferences.
• Challenge discriminatory behaviour in ways that promote positive change.
• Access information, advice, and support about equality, diversity, and inclusion from reliable sources.
• Understand who to approach for guidance within your organisation.

Care Certificate Standard 4 Course Outline

Module 4.1: The Importance of Equality and Inclusion
Learners will explore the core principles of equality, diversity, inclusion, and non-discrimination. This module defines key terms and examines how deliberate or unintentional discrimination can occur in workplace settings. Learners will also understand how inclusive and equitable practices promote fairness, respect, and improved outcomes for both staff and people who use services.

Module 4.2: Working in an Inclusive Way
This module focuses on how to apply equality and diversity principles in day-to-day care practice. Learners will examine the main UK legislation and codes of practice, such as the Equality Act 2010 and the Care Act 2014, that underpin inclusive working. The module explores how to interact respectfully with individuals from different backgrounds, beliefs, and cultures and teaches effective methods for challenging discrimination constructively to encourage positive change.

Module 4.3: Accessing Information, Advice and Support about Diversity, Equality and Inclusion
Learners will understand where to access reliable information, guidance, and support related to equality, diversity, and inclusion. The module covers both internal and external sources of advice—such as managers, HR teams, the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), and Skills for Care—and explains when and how to seek support appropriately. Learners will also recognise the importance of ongoing learning and consultation to maintain inclusive, person-centred practice.

Target Audience

This course is suitable for:

• New and existing health and social care workers
• Domiciliary care staff, support workers, and healthcare assistants
• Supervisors, team leaders, and those responsible for promoting inclusive practice
• Anyone completing or refreshing their Care Certificate

It’s ideal for learners at all levels who want to strengthen their understanding of equality and inclusion in care.

FAQ

What is equality and diversity in health and social care?
Equality means ensuring everyone has the same access to opportunities and support. Diversity means recognising and respecting differences. Inclusion is about making sure everyone feels valued and supported.

Do I need previous training?
No. This course is designed for all staff, including those new to care or completing induction training.

How long does the course take?
Most learners complete it within 1–2 hours, depending on their pace.

Will I receive a certificate?
Yes. You’ll receive a Care Certificate Standard 4: Equality and Diversity certificate once you complete the course.

Is the course relevant to UK legislation?
Yes. The course is based on UK laws such as the Equality Act 2010 and the Human Rights Act 1998, ensuring full compliance with current regulations.

Inclusive care is safe, compassionate care. Understanding equality and diversity ensures that everyone — regardless of background, belief, or circumstance — receives respect, fairness, and dignity.

By completing this course, you’ll be better equipped to promote inclusion, challenge discrimination, and create an environment where everyone feels valued and supported.

Enrol on the Care Certificate Standard 4: Equality and Diversity Training Course today

Build your knowledge, confidence, and understanding to deliver truly person-centred and inclusive care.