Employers are required to make a number of changes to implement the Disability Equality Duty effectively.
The general duty requires NHS organisations to promote disability equality and a set of specific duties, one of which is to produce a Disability Equality Scheme (DES) outlining how they will meet the general duty.
The elements to the general duty are:
- elimination of discrimination
- elimination of harassment
- promotion of equality of opportunity
- promotion of positive attitudes
- encouragement of participation
- more favourable treatment to take account of disabled people’s disabilities
We have produced a checklist for employers when developing a DES.
Supporting implementation
Trusts should consider setting up a senior level steering group, with ownership at board level, to demonstrate organisational commitment and accountability to implementing a DES. Implementation will also be facilitated through diversity teams, with devolved responsibilities, that are appointed at each level and in each section of the organisation.