Equality and diversity are terms used to promote fairness, respect, and inclusion for all individuals, regardless of their background, identity, or characteristics. Here are some key points from the search results:

• Equality: Refers to providing equal opportunities to everyone and protecting people from being discriminated against. It means ensuring that individuals or groups of individuals are not treated less favorably because of their protected characteristics.

• Diversity: Refers to recognizing, respecting, and celebrating differences in people. A diverse environment is one with a wide range of backgrounds and mindsets, which allows for an empowered culture of creativity and innovation.

• Inclusion: Refers to creating an environment where everyone feels welcome and valued. An inclusive environment can only be created once we are more aware of our unconscious biases and have learned how to manage them.

In the UK, equality and diversity are defined and championed as defining values of society. The Equality Act 2010 requires public authorities to promote equality in everything that they do, and other organizations must meet their legal duties to promote equality while also doing so themselves). The Act provides protection against discrimination for people who possess one or more of the nine specific protected characteristics, including age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.

In the workplace, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are three closely linked values held by many organizations that are working to be supportive of different people. Diversity refers to who is represented in the workforce, equity refers to ensuring fair treatment and opportunity for all, and inclusion refers to an individuals experience within their workplace and in society, and the extent to which they feel valued and included. Good equality and diversity practices make sure that the services provided to people are fair and accessible to everyone, and they ensure that people are treated as equals, that people get the dignity and respect they deserve, and that their differences are celebrated.