2.4 Explain the importance of ensuring employment practices are free from discrimination and harassment

This guide will help you answer 2.4 Explain the importance of ensuring employment practices are free from discrimination and harassment.

Safe, fair, and lawful workplaces support the wellbeing of all staff and people who use services. Employment practices that are free from discrimination and harassment help adult care settings attract and keep the best staff. This creates a positive environment that promotes dignity, respect, and high standards of care.

What is Discrimination and Harassment?

Discrimination means treating someone less favourably because of certain characteristics. These are called “protected characteristics” and include:

• Age
• Disability
• Gender reassignment
• Marriage or civil partnership
• Pregnancy and maternity
• Race
• Religion or belief
• Sex
• Sexual orientation

Harassment is unwanted behaviour related to a protected characteristic that creates a hostile, intimidating, or degrading environment.

Examples include name-calling, offensive jokes, unfair treatment, exclusion from activities, or inappropriate questions.

Both discrimination and harassment are against the law, under the Equality Act 2010.

Why Fair Employment Practices Matter

Legal Compliance

Organisations must follow the Equality Act 2010 and other equalities legislation. If an employer does not protect staff from discrimination or harassment, they can face:

• Employment tribunal claims
• CQC enforcement action
• Fines or compensation orders
• Damage to reputation

Managers must show they are taking steps to prevent discrimination and harassment. This protects the organisation and individuals.

Staff Wellbeing and Retention

Staff are happier and more likely to stay where they feel respected and safe. Fair practices help to:

• Reduce stress and anxiety
• Improve job satisfaction
• Lower staff turnover
• Reduce sickness absence

Discrimination or harassment can make employees feel isolated, anxious, or angry. It can cause valuable staff to leave.

Teamwork and Inclusion

A workplace free from discrimination encourages positive relationships and teamwork. In adult care, staff come from many backgrounds and cultures. When everyone feels accepted:

• Teams work well together
• Communication improves
• Staff learn from each other’s experiences
• All staff feel able to share their ideas

A positive culture helps support every individual – both staff and people receiving care.

Reputation and Attracting New Staff

Organisations known for fairness and respect attract good applicants. People want to work for employers that value diversity and challenge discrimination. This makes recruitment easier and helps services maintain a strong, skilled workforce.

Delivering Good Quality Care

Staff who feel safe and respected are more likely to:

• Care about their work
• Build strong, trusting relationships with people using services
• Promote dignity and equality in their care

Discrimination in the workplace can affect attitudes towards those receiving care, leading to poorer outcomes.

Compliance with CQC Standards

The Care Quality Commission expects all registered providers to have effective systems for preventing discrimination and harassment. This relates to the “well-led” and “caring” Key Lines of Enquiry. Poor practices can result in poor inspection reports or enforcement.

How to Promote Fair Practices

Organisations must put clear policies and training in place. These may include:

• Written equal opportunities and anti-harassment policies
• Regular training for staff and managers
• Clear reporting procedures for concerns
• Prompt investigation of complaints
• Celebrating diversity with team events and information displays
• Regular review of recruitment, pay, and promotion processes
• Monitoring equalities data to spot any issues

Managers must lead by example, challenge poor behaviour, and support anyone affected.

Final Thoughts

Ensuring employment practices are free from discrimination and harassment is essential for legal, ethical, and practical reasons. It supports staff to do their best work, creates a positive workplace, and leads to better outcomes for those receiving care. As a leader, it is my duty to challenge inequality and build an environment where everyone is valued and supported.