Developing an SES

This page outlines the areas for trusts to consider when developing a Single Equality Scheme (SES), what an SES should cover, learning from other trusts including a copy of an organisation's SES.

When developing an SES, there are similarities within the different strands of equalities legislation. However, there are also significant differences in the statutory obligations on race, disability and gender that should be covered in an SES.

On this basis, trusts need to ensure that an SES covers these different requirements on implementation dates, gathering information, action plans, setting objectives, impact assessments and reporting arrangements. In particular, the active involvement of disabled people for the Disability Equality Duty.

Tools to develop an SES

We have developed the following materials to support trusts when developing an SES:

• A briefing - on why trusts are considering developing an SES, including learning from those organisations that have already developed and implemented one
• The key steps - an overview of eight key stages for trusts when considering to implement an SES, starting with identifying the need to develop a single scheme through to developing and implementing one
• A checklist - an outline of the key information that an SES document should include to guide you through the process
• An example - an example of an SES that the North East Ambulance Service has developed

Additional information

• See our web pages outlined below for related information on:
• The Equality Bill - for more details on the legislation
• Case studies - our knowledge base has examples of how trusts have developed an SES