Equality and diversity

We aim to have a workforce which reflects the society we serve and to create an inclusive culture that values and respects diversity.

Public sector equality duty

The Equality Act 2010 applied a Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED) to public bodies. The Equality Duty requires public authorities to have due regard to the need to eliminate discrimination, advance equality of opportunity and foster good relations. In addition, many public bodies, including HSE, have specific duties under the act.

The specific duties require us to publish:

• equality information
• equality objectives

Equality information

• Workforce equality data - 2021 to 2022
• Gender pay gap report - 2022

Equality objectives

We prepare and publish specific and measurable equality objectives, at least every four years:

HSE will improve understanding and promote equality and diversity in our workforce

HSE will provide effective delivery of our statutory obligations on equality and diversity, with governance and accountability through HSE's Inclusion and Diversity group (IDG) supported by senior management diversity champions

HSE will continue to work with other government departments, agencies and external stakeholders when developing and promoting guidance on health and safety in relation to all protected characteristics

HSE will continue to build on our effective internal communications, to ensure equality analysis is firmly embedded in our work and consistently built into our policies and key programmes

HSE will continue with existing inspection and investigation work, offering advice and guidance on equality and diversity issues as necessary

HSE will consider the need for new and updated website guidance for all protected groups, to provide information on equality issues and increase awareness of diversity-specific messages

HSE will continue to identify areas where further information is needed, consider the need for and where appropriate, undertake research to help inform the development of policies, procedures and guidance

HSE will prepare and publish equality objectives, at least every four years, to help HSE further the three aims of the Equality Duty