All public bodies, which includes NHS Integrated Care Boards, have a general equality duty, in the exercise of their functions, to have due regard to the need to:

• Eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation and other conduct prohibited by the Equality Act 2010
• Advance equality of opportunity between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not.
• Foster good relations between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not.

Having due regard for advancing equality involves:

• Removing or minimising disadvantages linked to protected characteristics.
• Meeting the specific needs of protected groups.
• Encouraging participation in public life where it is disproportionately low.

The nine protected characteristics are: age, disability, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation, and marriage or civil partnership status. As part of our commitment of addressing health inequalities, SEL ICB also looks at three additional demographics (digitally excluded, socio-economic deprivation, and carers) as part of our ongoing EDI work.

Compliance with the PSED is a legal requirement, but it also strengthens decision-making, service planning, and workforce inclusion – helping us to better meet the needs of our diverse staff and communities.

Click here to see the Public Sector Equality Duty 2024/25 report

To view our previous Public Sector Equality Duty reports, visit our reports page.

Equality Delivery System

NHS England has developed an improvement tool for NHS organisations to use to identify how well they are meeting three key areas through an equality, diversity and inclusion lens. These are:

• Commissioned or provided services
• Staff health and well-being
• Inclusive leadership

Each assessment is based on evidence, gathered through engagement with patients, staff, trade unions, and provider organisations. Services and organisations are rated across four levels with findings informing an improvement plan for each of the key areas.

By participating in EDS22, we hold ourselves accountable and take meaningful steps towards better, more equitable healthcare for all.

Click here to see the Equality Delivery System report for 2024/25

To view our previous Equality Delivery System reports, visit our reports page.