Topic 1.2 - Equality

Equality

It means treating everyone fairly and with dignity, and giving them the same opportunities to access services and support regardless of who they are

Why is it important to promote equality and diversity

• Ensures the service user can receive the best quality

• Makes people feel welcomed, wanted, valued, respected and cared for

• Builds trusting relationships

• Building trust between service providers and users helps ensure the needs of the service users are met

Negative consequences of not promoting equality and diversity

• P; Health could deteriorate which could lead to physical injuries 

• I; Staff not understanding health, which could cause them to not communicate properly and not understand the instructions, leading to not being able to treat service users properly and might cause them mental issues

• E; Having low self esteem which could lead into feeling disrespected, undervalued or embarrassed

• S; Being excluded which leads to loneliness, avoiding health and social care providers or worse, feeling suicidal

• F; Bad reputation which leads to being unable to recruit high quality staff or even get customers, leading to financial loss

Positive outcomes of promoting equality and diversity

• P; Health improves which means a healthier and happier society

• I; Better understanding of health because the staff are trained to be able to communicate properly with the service users leading to improved mental well being

• E;

  • Improved self esteem which leads to service users feeling respected, valued and makes service providers feel they are making a difference

  • Service users builds trust with service providers which helps ensure the needs of the service users are met

• S; More social inclusion leading to service users feeling welcomed and valued

• F; Good reputation which leads to being able to recruit high quality staff and get more customers

General ways to promote equality

• Raise awareness and provide education

• Develop inclusive policies

• Provide culturally sensitive care 

• Involve service users and communities 

• Address health inequalities 

• Monitor and evaluate progress 

Equity

It means giving individuals opportunities or resources  based on their needs