Home > Professional Update > Equality and Diversity Hub Process What do I need to know and do? Your Professional Context Deferral Process Direct Submissions Professional Learning What is Professional Learning? Using Evidence of Impact Professional Review and Development Coaching and Mentoring Awards and Professional Recognition Resources Hub Research and Practitioner Enquiry Research Practitioner Enquiry Equality and Diversity Hub Our schools and learning communities are enriched with a diverse mix of people with different experiences and from different cultures and backgrounds. GTC Scotland has developed this Equality and Diversity Hub to support teachers to: develop their professional knowledge and understanding of equality and diversity; engage with their professional requirement to promote equality and diversity; and, challenge any inequalities or forms of discrimination they encounter. The resources available in this Hub are to support teacher professionalism and professional learning and are not learning and teaching resources for the classroom. By gaining greater knowledge and understanding of all types of bias teachers can then consider any necessary changes to their learning environment, their employers' policies and practice, and their learning and teaching materials to support equality and diversity. GTC Scotland is very grateful for the contributions of our partners in collating materials and providing feedback on our professional learning modules. Should you have additional materials or suggestions for improvement please contact us at communications@gtcs.org.uk. Please note, GTC Scotland is not responsible for the content of external websites. Equality and Diversity: A Guide for Teachers GTC Scotland has created this guide to provide support for teachers to reflect on their understanding of equality and diversity and how it relates to their professional lives and actions. Equality and Diversity: A Guide for Teachers Professional Learning Modules GTC Scotland has collaborated with Dianne Cantali of the School of Education and Social Work, University of Dundee, to create two Equality and Diversity Professional Learning Modules to support Scotland’s teachers in their knowledge and understanding of equality and diversity matters. Module 1 - Introduction to Equality and Diversity The purpose of this module is to support teachers and education professionals to develop their understanding of equality and diversity. This module will encourage education professionals to critically reflect on their thinking and actions and consider how they might fulfil their responsibilities in this area through their teaching and wider professional activities. Aims of Module 1 are: to explore the Professional Standard for Teachers regarding equality and diversity; to understand what the requirements and expectations are of registered teachers with regards to equality and diversity; to look at the definitions of equality and diversity within the Equality Act 2010; to look at what the report ‘Teaching in a Diverse Scotland’ (Scottish Government 2018) means for teachers; to explore some of the barriers to equality and diversity and how these can be addressed; and, to reflect on this professional learning as part of Professional Update or, for probationer teachers, meeting the Professional Standard for Full Registration Begin Module 1 Module 2 - Reflecting on Equality and Diversity as Teachers in a Diverse Scotland The purpose of this module is for teachers to engage in professional reflections and other activities, and to consider how their learning through the module will have an impact on their practice. Aims of Module 2 are to look in more depth at: factors which can contribute to barriers to equality and diversity, and the protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010; what equality and diversity means for teachers and learners with protected characteristics, and the implications of intersectionality and unconscious bias; the role of teachers in challenging discrimination, assumptions and stereotyping; next steps for career-long professional learning in equality and diversity; and, reflecting on this professional learning as part of Professional Update or, for probationer teachers, meeting the Professional Standard for Full Registration. Begin Module 2 Resources by Theme Bias and stereotyping Bias and stereotyping Bias is a prejudice in favour of or against one thing, person, or group compared with another. Biases may be held by an individual, group, or institution and can have negative or positive consequences. There are different types of biases: Conscious bias (also known as explicit bias) and Unconscious bias (also known as implicit bias) Unconscious biases are social stereotypes about certain groups of people that individuals form outside their own conscious awareness. Everyone holds unconscious beliefs about various social and identity groups, and these biases stem from one’s tendency to organise social worlds by categorising. Unconscious bias is far more prevalent than conscious prejudice and is often incompatible with one’s conscious values. Certain scenarios can activate unconscious attitudes and beliefs. For example, biases may be more prevalent when multi-tasking or working under time pressure. We should try to become more aware of our implicit bias and when making important decisions, take the time to consider our actions, so as not to be affected by our bias. This is particularly relevant when, for example, recruiting staff or offering opportunities to others. We should ensure we question and challenge our own implicit bias and be prepared to question and challenge that of others when necessary. (adapted from this source) Teachers should undertake further professional learning around bias, in all its definitions, to support understanding as to how bias can impact on their actions and decisions. A greater understanding of bias will, in turn, increase their ability to open discussions and sensitively, and knowledgeably, challenge bias and discrimination. The following resources may be helpful to understand bias: Video: Unconscious bias basics (YouTube) Video: How to outsmart your own unconscious bias (YouTube) Equality and Human Rights Commission The Harvard Unconscious Bias Test Unconscious bias training: no such thing as a quick fix. Unconscious bias: What can I Do? (YouTube) Whiteliness and institutional racism: Hiding behind (un)conscious Bias Discrimination, harassment and victimisation Discrimination, harassment and victimisation The Equality Act 2010 protects people against discrimination, harassment or victimisation based on a protected characteristic (PC). There are nine PCs identified in the Equality Act 2010. The following resources may help your understanding of discrimination, harassment and victimisation. Further resources on discrimination, harassment and victimisation of specific PCs can be found in the Protected Characteristics section below. Direct and indirect discrimination. Equality law: discrimination explained (Equality and Human Rights Commission) Equality Act 2010 - Chapter 2 (Discrimination) How can you be discriminated against? - Equality and Human Rights Commission What are the different types of discrimination? - Citizens Advice What is harassment and victimisation? - Equality and Human Rights Commission Intersectionality Intersectionality Intersectionality is, in dictionary definitions, the oppression and discrimination resulting from the overlap of an individual’s various social identities, for example, the intersectionality of oppression experienced by black women. The following resources may support your understanding of intersectionality and support you in identifying how this may impact on you, your colleagues, young people and their families: Being a Black Woman in Scotland: a Unique and Complex Experience - Engender Intersectionality - Equality Network Intersectionality for Beginners - Everyday Sociology What is Intersectionality? Prof Peter Hopkins, Newcastle University (YouTube) Leadership Leadership School leaders have an important role to play in ensuring schools and learning communities strive to promote equality and diversity, in ensuring everyone is treated with respect and that individual differences are valued. School leaders not only have to consider their own role in avoiding and/or addressing institutional discrimination, but also ensure that they themselves are positive role models for the whole school community. Additionally, there is also the additional responsibility of making sure that everyone is provided the same equal opportunities, particularly in terms of recruitment, to ensure Scotland’s diversity is represented across the teaching population in our schools to support and inspire Scotland’s young people. ASCL - A Case for Leadership Diversity Dyslexia - a guide for employers (PDF) Inclusion Scotland - Accessible and Effective Remote Working Race, Identity and School Leadership Programme What is the duty to make reasonable adjustments for disabled people - Equality and Human Rights Commission (YouTube) Unconscious Bias - recruitment (Shire Professional 2015) (YouTube) TES - Trust me as a Teacher, Respect me as a Black Man TEDxBristol - Why Representation Really Matters, Aisha Thomas Feb 2020 Wholeness and School Leadership: Why Race and Identity Matter Equity Equity Equality and equity can be mixed up in people’s understandings of equality and diversity. Equality relates primarily to the protected characteristics found in the Equality Act 2010, where having equality of opportunity means that everyone gets the same opportunity with ‘reasonable adjustments’ to facilitate this as necessary; whereas equity is more focused on whether people are able to have equity of experience, and that this is underpinned by fairness and impartiality. Ensuring that everyone has equality of opportunity is not the same as ensuring that they have an equitable experience. The following resources may support your professional learning: Child Poverty Action Group Cost of the school day Cost of the school day - Resources Equity in Development: Why it is important and how to achieve it. Working Paper 311 (2009). Harry Jones What's already happening around Scotland to minimise costs and maximise opportunities for children from low-income households The cost of learning in lockdown (PDF) The problem with that equity vs equality graphic you're using Helpful General Equality and Diversity Resource Helpful Equality and Diversity Resources The following resources discuss the wider non-specific matters of equality and diversity. Including national policies and frameworks and other useful materials. Action on Prejudice - Speak Up resource on tackling hate crimes Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Act (2009) (PDF) Education Scotland - Developing the Young Workforce: Embedding equality in resources for learning (PDF) Equality and Human Rights Commission website Equality and Human Rights Commission Reading List Equality Act 2010 Equality Evidence Finder NASUWT Equality Law - NASUWT Equality training for NASUWT members Hate Crime - NASUWT (PDF) National Framework for Inclusion Protected characteristics Race Equality Framework Scottish Government - Better Relationships (PDF) Scottish Government - Respect for All: National Approach to Anti-Bullying 'Social Justice Re-examined: Dilemmas and Solutions for the classroom teacher' (Trentham Books 2019 - Support Resources Teaching in a Diverse Scotland Report (PDF) Resources for Protected Characteristics All teachers should ensure they take steps to minimise any barriers that may arise as a result of protected characteristics. Everyone is protected against discrimination by the Equality Act 2010 because of the protected characteristics we all have. The Equality Act defines the following protected characteristics: age; disability; gender reassignment; marriage and civil partnership; pregnancy and maternity; race; religion or belief; sex; sexual orientation. Below, you can find sections for all the protected characteristics which contain resources to support your learning and reflections. Age Age The Equality Act 2010 says that you must not be discriminated against because: you are (or are not) a certain age or in a certain age group someone thinks you are (or are not) a specific age or age group, (discrimination by perception) you are connected to someone of a specific age of age group, (discrimination by association) (EHRC) The following resources may support your professional learning: Age discrimination - Equality and Human Rights Commission (YouTube) Age Scotland Scottish Youth Parliament Supporting Young Carers in Education during Covid-19 - Education Scotland Supporting Young Carers in Schools - Carers Trust Scotland Disability Disability The Equality Act 2010 says that you must not be discriminated against because: you have a disability someone things you have a disability (discrimination by perception) you are connected to someone with a disability (discrimination by association) It is not unlawful discrimination to treat a disabled person more favourably than a non-disabled person. (EHRC) The following resources may support your professional learning: Action on hearing loss - Deaf Awareness Addressing Dyslexia Addressing Dyslexia - Online Learning Modules Definition of disability under the Equality Act 2010 Deaf Scotland Hearing Access Protocol for meetings & events (PDF) Hearing Access Protocol - Meetings, Conferences & Events: Must-Dos (PDF) Down's Syndrome Scotland - Raise your Awareness Dyslexia and Inclusive Practice Professional Learning Resource - Improving Practice and Empowering Whole School Approaches to Support Learners (PDF) Dyslexia Scotland: Leaflets to support professional learning Guide for employers (PDF) Dyslexia Friendly Formats (PDF) Resources for Educators One Scotland - Disability Royal National Institute of Blind People - Support for Education Professionals Scottish Association for Mental Health - Publications to support Children and Young People See Me Scotland - Young People's Mental Health Social Model of Disability What are reasonable adjustments - Equality and Human Rights What is disability discrimination? - Equality and Human Rights Commission Gender Reassignment Gender Reassignment The Equality Act 2010 says that you must not be discriminated against because you are transsexual, when your gender identity is different from the gender assigned to you when you were born. For example: a person who was born female decides to spend the rest of his life as a man In the Equality Act it is known as gender reassignment. All transsexual people share the common characteristic of gender reassignment. (EHRC) The following resources may support your professional learning: LGBT Youth Scotland Addressing Inclusions 2020 - information and guidance for school staff on addressing homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying in Scottish Schools (PDF) Resources NASUWT - Tackling Sexuality and Gender Identity Bullying Scottish Trans Gender Recognition (PDF) Hate Crime (PDF) Stonewall Glossary of terms Transitioning Transitioning Guidance for Teachers and Education Professionals Time for Inclusive Education Marriage and Civil Partnership Marriage and Civil Partnership The Equality Act says you must not be discriminated against in employment because you are married or in a civil partnership. In the Equality Act marriage and civil partnership means someone who is legally married or in a civil partnership. Marriage can either be between a man and a woman, or between partners of the same sex. Civil partnership is between partners or the same sex. People do not have this characteristic if they are: single living with someone as a couple neither married nor civil partners engaged to be married but not married divorced or a person whose civil partnership has been dissolved (EHRC) The following resources may support your professional learning: Article 12: Right to Marry Equality Network - Marriage and Civil Partnership in Scotland Marriage and Civil Partnership (Scotland) Act 2014 Pregnancy and Maternity Pregnancy and Maternity 'Pregnancy is the condition of being pregnant or expecting a baby. Maternity refers to the period after the birth, and is linked to maternity leave in the employment context. In the non-work context, protection against maternity discrimination is for 26 weeks after giving birth, and this includes treating a woman unfavourably because she is breastfeeding' (EHRC) The following resources may support your professional learning: Different types of pregnancy and maternity discrimination - Equality and Human Rights Commission (YouTube) Scottish Government - Maternity, paternity and parental leave employer guide Stonewall Scotland - Parenting Rights What I have Learned as a Pregnant Teacher What is pregnancy and maternity discrimination? - Equality and Human Rights Commission (YouTube) Race Race 'The Equality Act 2010 says that you must not be discriminated against because of your race. In the Equality Act, race can mean your colour, or your nationality (including your citizenship). It can also mean your ethnic or national origins, which may not be the same as your current nationality. For example, you may have Chinese national origins and be living in Britain with a British passport. Race also covers ethnic and racial groups, This means a group of people who all share the same protected characteristic or ethnicity or race.' (EHRC) The following resources may support your professional learning: 10 things every white teacher should know when talking about race Advance HE - Black Lives Matter is a moment within a movement Anti-racism and being a better ally: The Black Lives Matter Movement BEMIS Publications BEMIS - Ethnic Minority National Resilience Network Centre for Education for Racial Equality in Scotland - Racial Equality and Scottish School Education: Ensuring today's young people are tomorrow's confident citizens (PDF) Citizens Advice Bureau - Gypsies and Travellers - Race Discrimination Colourful Heritage Critical Race Theory Decolonise the Curriculum - Challenging our Racism Dr Kevin Guyan - BAME young people share their experiences of Scottish Secondary Schools (Nov 2019) How you can be an ally in the fight for racial injustice Intercultural Youth Scotland: Black History In Sight Report Optimus Education - How to promote Diversity in schools: three strategies for positive change Race Equality Framework Scotland (2016-2030) Race, Identity and School Leadership Programme Race, Racism, Prejudice and Discrimination - Equality and Human Rights Commission (PDF) Racial Literacy Resources from the Teacherist Scottish Association of Minority Ethnic Educators (SAMEE) recommended reading SAMEE Recommended Reading Scottish Government - A Fairer Scotland for All: Race Equality Action Plan and Highlight Report 2017-2021 Show Racism the Red Card - Online Course - Promoting Equality and Tackling Racism in Schools Teaching in a Diversity Scotland Report Teaching Scotland - Khadija Mohammed - The conspiracy of silence: Let's talk about race Teaching Scotland interview - Khadija Mohammed (University of the West of Scotland) Teaching in a Diverse Scotland 2019 - Cultural Diversity TEDxBristol - Why Representation Really Matters, Aisha Thomas - Feb 2020 The Anti-Racist Educator: White Privilege Test Racial Literacy/ Racial Conciousness The Black Curriculum What teachers should learn from the murder of George Floyd Whiteliness and institutional racism; Hiding behind (unconscious bias) Tate and Page, Ethics and Education 2018 Religion or Belief Religion or Belief 'The Equality Act 2010 says you must not be discriminated against because: you are (or are not) or a particular religion you hold (or do not hold) a particular philosophical belief someone thinks you are or a particular religion or hold a particular belief (discrimination by perception) you are connected to someone who has a religion or belief (discrimination by association) (EHRC) The following resources may support your professional learning: One Scotland - Religion What is Religion or belief discrimination? - Equality and Human Rights Commission (PDF) Scottish Government Policies - Faith and Belief Scottish Interfaith Week Sex Sex The Equality Act 2010 says you must not be discriminated against because: you are (or are not) a particular sex someone thinks you are the opposite sex (discrimination by perception) you are connected to someone of a particular sex (discrimination by association) In the Equality Act, sex can mean either male or female, or a group of people like men or boys, or women or girls.(EHRC) The following resources may support your professional learning: Education Scotland - Improving gender balance 3-18 Education Scotland - Introduction to gender stereotyping Engender - Scotland's feminist policy and advocacy organisation Equally Safe - Scotland's strategy for preventing and eradicating violence against women and girls (PDF) Equate Scotland - 6 steps to gender equality (PDF) GTCS Webinar: Improving Gender Balance and Equalities (YouTube) NASUWT - Managing the Menopause at Work (PDF) One Scotland - Gender Equality Scottish Government Gender Equality Policies What is Sex discrimination? - Equality and Human Rights Commission Zero Tolerance - Gender Equal Play (PDF) Zero Tolerance - working with children and young people Sexual Orientation Sexual Orientation 'The Equality Act 2010 says you must not be discriminated against because: you are heterosexual, gay, lesbian or bisexual someone thinks you have a particular sexual orientation (discrimination by perception) you are connected to someone who has a particular sexual orientation (discrimination by association) In the Equality Act, sexual orientation includes how you choose to express your sexual orientation, such as through your appearance or the places you visit. (EHRC) The following resources may support your professional learning: LGBT Youth Scotland - Addressing Inclusions 2020 - Information and guidance for school staff on addressing homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying (PDF) Curriculum inclusion - LGBT Mapping Across Curriculum for Excellence (PDF) Resources One Scotland - LGBT Scottish Government - LGBT Inclusive Education - guidance to education authorities 2019 Stonewall - glossary of terms Stonewall Scotland Tackling Sexuality and Gender Identity Bullying - NASUWT Time for Inclusive Education What is sexual orientation discrimination? - Equality and Human Rights Commission (YouTube) Case Studies GTC Scotland will be gathering case studies to support the critical thinking of teachers around some real-life examples of inequality and discrimination to help challenge and support our thinking and professional actions. If you should have a case study you would like to share, please contact communications@gtcs.org.uk Please note case studies are also available in the GTC Scotland Equality and Diversity Professional Learning Modules above. The following resources may support your professional learning: Gender Case Studies - One Scotland Teaching in a Diverse Scotland Downloads Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy Equality and Diversity: A Guide for Teachers UK Equality Act 2010 Guidance