Dignity and Respect

‘Expect Respect’

At Kent County Council we’re here to help, whether an employee, visitor or user of our services, you can expect to be treated with dignity and respect. 

We all deserve to work, live and to learn in an environment which is free from bullying, harassment or victimisation. 

We are all responsible for creating a culture in which discrimination, real or perceived,  is challenged and eliminated.

We are committed to creating a culture free of discrimination, where verbal or physical abuse is not tolerated and individuals regardless of their identity, background or belief are respected by the way they are treated by others.

See our schemes to promote Equality and Diversity in Kent:

• Equality Strategy (PDF, 724k)

Age

A workforce that is age diverse has real benefits for any organisation. Harnessing the skills, experience and enthusiasm of people of all ages creates a working environment that encourages co-operation

• The Employment Equality (Age) Regulations 2006 say that employers are unable to discriminate on the grounds of age without justification.
• Age Positive have produced a range of publications on age and the workforce.

Disability

The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 2005 says a disabled person is someone with a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on their ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities.

• DirectGov  provides a variety of information and support for disabled people.
• Access to Work gives practical advice to help you if your health or disability affects the way you do your job. The scheme gives you and your employer advice and support with extra costs which may arise because of your needs.

Gender

Unlawful sex discrimination happens when someone is treated unfairly because of their gender.  Women, men and transexual people can all experience sex discrimination.

• For more information on these laws please see the Gender section of the Equality and Human Rights Commision website.
• The Sex Discrimination Act

Gender Identity

Unlawful sex discrimination happens when someone is treated unfairly because of their gender.  Women, men and transexual people can all experience sex discrimination.

• The Sex Discrimination Act 1975, The Equal Pay Act 1970, the Equality Act 2006 and the Sex Discrimination (Gender Reassignment) Regulations 1999 make it unlawful to discriminate on the grounds of gender at work, in education, as a consumer and in public services. The
• The Gender Recognition Panel website has more information
  

Race

The Race Relations Act 1976, as amended by the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000, makes it unlawful to discriminate against anyone on grounds of race, colour, nationality (including citizenship), or ethnic or national origin.

Religion and Belief

• The Employment Equality (Religion or Belief) Regulations 2003 are in place to prevent current or potential employees from facing discrimination based on their religion or beliefs. 
• The Equality Act (Religion and Belief) 2006 states it is unlawful for someone to discriminate against you because of your religion or belief when providing goods, facilities and services, in education and public functions.      

Sexual Orientation

• We are a member of Stonewall, an organisation that works to achieve equality and justice for lesbians, gay men and bisexual people.
• The Employment (Sexual Orientation) 2003 Regulations say that it is unlawful to harass or victimise anyone because of their sexual orientation.   

If you'd like to see some practical examples of KCC's commitment to meeting the needs of all Kent people follow the links below

• Your Services
• Social Service Professionals
• Community Safety
• Community Wardens
• Safer Neighbourhoods
• Gypsies and Travellers
• Education and Learning
• Disabled Children
• Getting in touch
• Carer and Family Support
• Protecting Children