Equality refers to fairness, whereas diversity is about recognizing and accepting the differences within a workplace or society. One stresses the “same” and the other highlights the “differences” Inclusion is essentially the middle ground between equality and diversity. Equality allows us to create a fair work place and society. Equality and Diversity are backed by the Equality Act 2010. There are nine main protected characteristics and they are:
• Age
• Disability
• Gender
• Marriage and civil partnership
• Pregnancy and maternity
• Race
• Religion
• Sex
• Sexual Orientation.
Diversity focuses on the differences of people within the workplace and society.
Inclusion refers to a person’s experience within the workplace. Inclusion is the act of welcoming diversity and creating an environment where all different kinds of people can do well and succeed. Inclusion refers to a person’s experience within the workplace.
Diversity is what you have and inclusion is what you do. For an example, having a diverse group is now not enough. Everyone has to feel safe and be encouraged to participate and share. People shouldn’t feel as if they can’t speak out or patriciate purely because they are scared or worried they do not fit in. It is imperative that everyone is on equal footing.
There aren’t a huge amount of difference between the three, in short, Equality is making people feel and be equal regardless of their characteristics, Diversity is what makes us different from one another and Inclusion is including and giving people a sense of belonging and being made part of a team irrespective of characteristics