Equality Act in Health and Social Care Training Course

The Equality Act 2010 is one of the most important pieces of legislation in the UK, designed to protect people from discrimination and promote fairness in all areas of life — including health and social care.

This Equality Act in Health and Social Care online course gives care workers, managers, and support staff a clear understanding of the law, their responsibilities, and how to promote equality, diversity, and inclusion in everyday practice.

Why Take This eLearning Course?

Health and social care settings bring together people from a wide range of backgrounds, identities, and experiences. Understanding equality law ensures everyone — whether staff or people who use services — is treated with respect, fairness, and dignity.

This course helps learners to:

• Understand what the Equality Act 2010 covers and why it matters.
• Recognise the nine protected characteristics and how they apply in care settings.
• Identify and prevent discrimination, harassment, and victimisation.
• Apply reasonable adjustments to support disabled individuals.
• Promote inclusive practice and tackle inequality in the workplace.
• Ensure compliance with legal and organisational requirements.

Equality Act Course Content Outline

Module 1: Understanding the Equality Act 2010
Learners will gain an overview of the Equality Act 2010, understanding its purpose in bringing together previous anti-discrimination laws into one comprehensive piece of legislation. The module explains how the Act supports equality, diversity, and fairness within health and social care environments. Learners will explore the legal requirements for compliance, including duties for employers and service providers.

Module 2: Understanding Protected Characteristics
This module explains the nine protected characteristics covered by the Act: age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. Learners will understand how these characteristics are protected in health and social care settings and why recognising diversity is essential to inclusive, person-centred care.

Module 3: Understanding Discrimination and Unlawful Behaviour
Learners will explore the different forms of discrimination, including direct, indirect, by association, and perception. The module also covers harassment, victimisation, and bullying, providing real-life examples relevant to care environments. Learners will understand how to identify, report, and address unlawful behaviour in the workplace.

Module 4: Equality Duties and Positive Action
This module focuses on the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED) and its impact on health and social care organisations. Learners will explore how public bodies must consider equality in their policies, decisions, and service delivery. The concept of positive action is introduced, showing how employers can take lawful steps to promote equality, remove barriers, and support underrepresented groups.

Module 5: Reasonable Adjustments
Learners will understand what reasonable adjustments are and how they enable people with disabilities to access services and employment fairly. The module explores practical examples of adjustments in care settings—such as communication support, physical adaptations, or flexible working arrangements—and highlights the shared responsibility of employers and employees in ensuring inclusion and accessibility.

Module 6: Developing an Equality Policy
This module guides learners through the process of creating, implementing, and monitoring an equality policy in the workplace. Learners will understand the key components of an effective policy—such as objectives, responsibilities, and review procedures—and how to integrate equality commitments into day-to-day practice.

Module 7: Promoting Equality and Diversity
Learners will explore strategies for promoting equality and tackling discrimination across all areas of health and social care. The module highlights the importance of inclusive communication, respectful language, and building positive relationships between diverse groups. Learners will reflect on practical ways to challenge prejudice, support cultural awareness, and foster a respectful, inclusive workplace culture.

Module 8: Consequences of Non-Compliance
The final module explains the risks of failing to comply with the Equality Act, including legal penalties, tribunal claims, financial costs, and reputational damage. Learners will review case studies and real tribunal examples to understand how breaches of equality law affect individuals and organisations. This module reinforces the importance of accountability, leadership, and a proactive approach to equality and inclusion.

Learning Outcomes

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

• Explain the purpose and scope of the Equality Act 2010.
• Identify the nine protected characteristics and how they apply in health and social care.
• Recognise the different forms of discrimination and understand how to respond appropriately.
• Understand the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED) and its implications for care organisations.
• Apply positive action strategies to promote equality and reduce barriers.
• Implement reasonable adjustments to ensure accessibility and inclusion.
• Develop or contribute to an equality and diversity policy within the workplace.
• Understand the risks and consequences of non-compliance, including legal and reputational impacts.
• Promote an environment that fosters respect, inclusion, and equal opportunities for all.

Target Audience

This course is suitable for anyone working in the health and social care sector, including:

• Care workers, support workers, and healthcare assistants
• Supervisors, team leaders, and registered managers
• HR professionals and compliance officers
• Volunteers and agency staff
• Students or trainees preparing for work in care services

No prior legal knowledge is required. The course is written in plain, easy-to-understand language for all learning levels.

FAQ

Is this course relevant to my role in care?
Yes. Everyone working in health and social care has a duty to promote equality, prevent discrimination, and respect diversity.

Does it cover updates to equality law?
Yes. The course is based on the most recent interpretation of the Equality Act 2010 and its application in care settings.

Do I need previous legal training?
No. The course explains legal principles in clear, accessible language.

How long does it take?
Typically 1–1.5 hours, depending on your learning pace.

Will I receive a certificate?
Yes. You’ll receive a Equality Act in Health and Social Care certificate upon completion, suitable for CPD and compliance records.

Promoting equality and respecting diversity isn’t just a legal duty — it’s a core value of quality care. When every individual feels respected and included, care outcomes improve, trust grows, and workplace culture strengthens.

By completing this course, you’ll gain the confidence and understanding to create inclusive, person-centred environments where everyone feels valued.

Enrol on the Equality Act in Health and Social Care Training Course today

Learn how to promote fairness, respect, and inclusion in your workplace — and ensure compliance with one of the UK’s most important pieces of legislation.