Equality and inclusion in health Essay

OUTCOME 1 Understand the importance of equality and inclusion. 1.Explain what it is diversity,equality,inclusion,discrimination. Diversity – is in the service users houses I work -there are men and women and a range in ages too.Each will have their own personal experiences and preferences,for example – for food and activities,different attitudes;for example – to staff and servise users ,beliefs,health status and intellectual ability.These differences make up diversity. Equality – equality means treating everyone fairly and making equal opportunities available- this also involves respecting individuals. Inclusion – inclusion involves making the individual the centre of their life,involving them in everything that is about them,so that they are actively involved in all aspects of their life,care and support. Discrimination – negative prejudices develop against people who are different in some way. Discriminatory behaviour results in unfair ,unjust treatment.It could be done against those who are different with respect to their age, sex, nationality, ethnic background, religion, ability, financial status and size. 2.Describe ways in which discrimination may deliberately or inadvertently occur in the work setting. Ways that discrimination can occur could be based on a individual’s ability or on their financial status .Direct discrimination would occur if the care worker shows an objection,that is displays a dislike of the individual and refuses to support them,because of the level of their ability or decides  that they will withdraw their service because of the individual’s financial status which they believe does not entitle them to the support. Inadvertently discrimination would occur if the care worker worked in a way that insisted on only working with individuals or staff that met certain requirements or insisted in working is one set way without asking them or finding out from them as this would inadvertently exclude individuals from being supported. 3.Explain how practices that support equality and inclusion reduce the likehood of discrimination. Treating the individual fairly ,on the same level and providing them with equal opportunities to housing, education, employment, transport, health and social care can help as the individual will feel valued and treated fairly and not made vulnerable or set apart that will reduce ,if not eliminate any discrimination against that individual or by that individual against others. Inclusion also is important as the individual will be aware of their rights,will feel in control and will feel supported to be able to make their own choices and have their needs met and so reduce the risk of the individual being discriminated against others. OUTCOME 2 Be able to work in an inclusive way. 1.Identify which legislation and codes of practice ralating to equality,diversity and discrimination apply to own role. In my workplace we have policies and procedures on equality ,diversity,inclusion and discrimination. There are also the GSCC codes to practice for social care workers.The Equality Act and the Human Rights Act are relavant legislations. There are various pieces of legislation in place to promote equality and reduce discrimination . These include: The Disability Discrimination Act 2005 The Special Educational Needs and Disability Act 2001 The Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000 Convention of the Rights of the Child (UN 1998) The Human Rights Act 1998 The Sex Discrimination Act 1975 (as amended) Employment Equality Regulations 2003. 3.Describe how to challenge discrimination in a way that encourages change. The best way to challenge the discriminatory attitudes of a social care worker or an individual is to talk through their behaviour with them and explain that discrimination will be tolerated .This is not done in a aggressive manner,but instead a way to try to get that person to recognise that they are adopting a negative attitude -this has to be explained clearly ,but also in a gentle and open – minded way .It could be done if it’s a social care worker during an appraisal as this allows them time to think- it may be that people are reminded of the impact discrimination can have and what the workplace policy and procedure says about these. All discrimination must not be tolerated and must be reported immediately to a senior member of staff. OUTCOME 3 Know how to access information,advice and support about diversity,equality, and inclusion. 1.Identify a range of sources of information ,advice and support about diversity ,equality and inclusion. Revelant legislation such as Equality Act 2010,my line manager,my companies Policies and Procedures ,my colleagues,training (Equality & Diversity, Mental Capacity Act 2005, Safe- guarding ,Person- Centred Support/Planning),the internet,the books,articles&reports,Care Quality Commision,Skills for Care,Charities&Organizations such as British Institute  for Learning Disabilities,Sense,Action on Hearing loss,Mind. Information- from individual,advocate,care plans,procedures,guidelines, legislation and codes of practice. Advice -from manager,key worker,advocate. Support – from manager,colleagues. 2.Describe how and when to access information ,advice and support about diversity,equality and inclusion. If you believe or suspect that someone is a victim of discrimination then it should be reported immediately to my senior or manager for support or advice ,as well as if you feel that as an individual you are a victim of disccrimination in any form this should be taken to my senior or manager .If you detect discrimination in the home but are unsure of how to tackle it,or even if it is justified to interfere with something then advice should be called for form a senior member of staff if the answer cannot be obtained by searching through care plans or any policies and procedures. For example: You may have had a complaint about disccrimination in the home but are unable to actually witness it for yourself and are unsure of what to do,the person may be lying or the person maybe a victim to inequality or discrimination by someone who is very carefull not be caught,it would be nearly impossible to witness something yourself ,so seeking support and advice from a senior member of staff or even another care worker could bring the situation under control with more people watching out and working to safeguard the individual in question.