Protected characteristics

Sexual orientation and gender reassignment

Under the Equality Act 2010, private sector and public bodies such as the council must pay regard to sexual orientation and gender reassignment, and not discriminate because of this.

The law protects women and men, including anyone living permanently in the opposite gender from their birth, from discrimination.

The Gender Recognition Act 2004 also means we must not disclose if someone has officially changed their gender.​.

Support groups

We have an employee LGBTQ+​​​ Network to help promote equality in the workplace. Membership is open to all self-defining LGBTQ+ employees, as long as members are respectful of the need to maintain confidentiality.