Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED) FAQs
View the University Public Sector Equality Duty reports.
What is the PSED?
- Created under the Equality Act (2010), the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED) became law in April 2011, refer to: EHRC Scotland
- Legal provisions for the setting up of the PSED: UK Government Legislation website in the Act in Sections 149-157 and in Schedule 19.
- The duty consists of a duty with three main aims as set out in section 149 of the Equality Act (2010) and the Scottish Specific Duties (2012)
Scottish Specific Duties (May 2012). - Actions for the University:
- Published equalities analysis; reports; and action plans. View the University Public Sector Equality Duty reports.
What are the requirements of the General Duty?
The legal duty, known as the 'General Duty', requires universities in the public sector to consider how they could positively contribute to the advancement of equality and good relations. It requires equality considerations to be reflected into the design of policies and the delivery of services, including internal policies, and for these issues to be kept under review.
To demonstrate due regard to the duty, the following 3 areas of compliance relating to the Equality Act (2010) must be met:
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Eliminate discrimination, harassment and victimisation and other conduct prohibited by the Act
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Foster good relations between people from different groups - this involves tackling prejudice and promoting understanding between people from different groups
- Advance equality of opportunity between people from different groups - this involves considering the need to:
- remove or minimise disadvantages suffered by people due to their ‘protected characteristics’
- meet the needs of people with ‘protected characteristics’
- encourage people with ‘protected characteristics’ to participate in public life or in other activities where their participation is low