As part of the Equality Act, a new public sector equality duty came into force in April 2011.  The Act replaces the previous anti-discimination laws with a single Act.  It requires public bodies to have due regard, when exercising their functions, to the need to:

• Eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation and other conduct prohibited by the Act.
• Advance equality of opportunity between people who share a protected characteristic1 and those who do not.
• Foster good relations between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not.