Unit 6: Equality and Diversity in the Health Sector Assessment

Unit 6: Equality and diversity in the health sector
Assessment
Please note that this Assessment has 12 pages and is made up of 5 parts.
Name:
Part 1: Understand the importance of diversity, equality and inclusion
This part will help you to evidence Learning Outcome 1: Understand the importance
of diversity, equality and inclusion
Learning objective Place in Assessment
1.1 Define what is meant by:
 Diversity
 Equality
 Inclusion
 Discrimination
Question 1 Page 1
1.2 Describe the benefits to an organisation of having a
diverse workforce
Question 2 Page 2
1.3 Explain the impact on those accessing healthcare
services of policies and procedures that uphold diversity,
equality and inclusion
Question 3 Page 3
1. Define the following terms in the boxes below. [1.1]
Diversity
The concept of diversity encompasses acceptance and respect. The fundamental base of
diversity defines that each individual is different and unique which defines their diversity.
Diversity is the range of human differences which is not limited to race, ethnicity, gender,
age, sexual orientation and political beliefs. Diversity is reality which is created by individuals
and groups of broad spectrums of demographic and philosophical differences.
Equality
The concepts of equality focus on treating and offering each individual with an equal
opportunity to enhance their quality of life. Therefore, equality can be termed as the state of
being equal and treating all people equally without any comparison and judgments.
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Unit 6: Equality and diversity in the health sector
Inclusion
Inclusion is the term which defines involvement and empowerment which helps in
recognizing the dignity of all people. Inclusion can be considered as human right which
focuses on embracing people irrespective of their race, gender, age, disability and other
needs.
Discrimination
Discrimination is the term and practice which defines unfair practices of treating a person or
group differently from other people. Therefore, discrimination is the prejudicial treatment of
people and groups based on characteristics such as race, gender and other factors.
2a. What is meant by a diverse workforce? [1.2]
Workforce diversity refers to refers to similarities and differences among employee which can be
due to different factors, such as- age, culture, religion, race, gender, physical abilities, sexual
orientation, disabilities and other responsible factors. The term workforce diversity defines the traits
and uniqueness of employees which make them distinct from others. The workplace diversity can be
cognitive, lifestyle and brand diversity.
2b. Describe some of the benefits of having a diverse workforce. Include at least 2 benefits
in your answer. [1.2]
Diversified workforce can bring various benefits to an organization, some of the benefits are
discussed below:
 Incline in employee engagement- employees feel encouraged and are more
willingly participative in diversified working culture as this can enhance their skills,
knowledge and competencies throughs haring ideas and opinions with each other.
With workforce diversity, it can be helpful in boosting employee confidence and
morale and increases employee engagement.
 Incline in range of ideas- Diversity is the key to gain benefit and bring various
innovative and multiple range of ideas that can be beneficial for an organization. As
diversity bring different perspectives and offers wider spectrum of creativity, this can
be an advantage for organization through which they can enhance their performance,
productivity and goodwill within the industry.
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Unit 6: Equality and diversity in the health sector
3. What is the impact of policies and procedures that uphold diversity, equality and
inclusion on individuals accessing healthcare services? Use a policy or procedure as an
example in your answer. [1.3]
The influence of policies and procedures that promote diversity, equality, and inclusion, as
well as laws and guidelines, on the boundaries that businesses can follow. Maintaining the
dignity and respect of others. The confidentiality policy establishes the guidelines for
preventing or limiting access to certain data or places.
For example, equal opportunity guidelines will explain the actions a healthcare organisation
must take to comply with the 2010 Equality Act.
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Unit 6: Equality and diversity in the health sector
Part 2: Know how legislation and codes of practice support equality and
diversity
This part will help you to evidence Learning Outcome 2: Know how legislation and
codes of practice support equality and diversity
Learning objective Place in Assessment
2.1 List key legislation and codes and practice relating to
diversity, equality, inclusion and discrimination
Question 1 Page 4
2.2 Explain how practices that support diversity, equality
and inclusion reduce the likelihood of discrimination
Question 2 Page 4
2.3 Describe the rights of people involved in the
organisation or service
Question 3a Page 5
2.4 State how the law protects the rights of individuals Question 3b Page 5
1. List two pieces of key legislation which relate to diversity, equality, inclusion and
discrimination. [2.1]
The two pieces of key legislation can be the Equality act 2010 and the Human Rights 1998,
both of them are somewhere closely related. Starting with the equality act 2010, as can be
understood from the act name itself, its based on Equality provided to everyone such as
everyone is protected legally from any kind of discrimination and any type of humiliation at
any level. This act states that it is unlawful to discriminate any individual on behalf of
religion/beliefs, gender, age, race, disability and everyone should be treated equally. In the
policies and procedures of the equality act 2010 all the legislations are present. The second
act, Human rights 1998 is very similar to the equality act 2010. In this it is unlawful for any
public body(Government, police and local bodies) to discriminate because of their gender,
race, disability, sexuality, religion or age.
2a. Identify two practices that support diversity, equality and inclusion in the workplace.
[2.2]
To reduce discrimination and make everyone feel at the same level, following certain
practices can be helpful. The practices which can support diversity, equality and inclusion in
a workplace can be explained with an example, if in an organisation an employee at
executive posts figures out a bug in the system or a better way for some operation, his idea
should be acknowledged and if helpful then should be shared within the office members
about the valuable input, simplifying that every employee’s input should be entertained.
Second can be celebration of all the different- diverse holidays together with all the staff of
the office irrespective of their posts.
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