Diversity, Equality and inclusion in Adult Social Care Settings

1.1 Define what is meant by :
Diversity
Diversity means difference. When this is used with equality, this is about identifying individuals and group differences ie. Ability, culture, age, gender, religion and beliefs, treating people as individuals, and placing positive value on diversity. Diversity is about accepting your prejudgement , allowing people to be different and respecting these differences. It is also about challenging others if necessary and supporting others when are not capable of defending themselves

Equality
Ensure that everyone is treated as an individual and everyone is treated equally.

Inclusion
Ensure everyone is included within a group and not isolating anyone because of their race, gender or disability and valuing diversity.
Discrimination
Discrimination is a way of forming an opinion and attitude towards members of a particular group or individual formed only upon the basis of their membership of that group that leads to negative opinions or bad treatment of that person. Often opinions won’t change even in the light of new information. It is essential that in this line of work you do not allow such prejudices to interfere or alter the way you work with individuals. Nearly everyone has experienced discrimination in many different ways. Some people are more likely to suffer discrimination such as : older people, young people, females, disabled people, homosexuals, lesbians, transgender people and ethnic minorities.

1.2 Describe how direct or indirect discrimination may occur in the work
setting:

Discrimination could take place if individuals are treated different from others or given a lower standard of service than other individuals because of their gender, race, ethnicity, culture, disability, religion, sexuality, class, mental health and age. For example older generation are common for discriminating against other individuals from different ethnic backgrounds. Those who experience this may fell like they are exposed to loss of opportunities, withdrawal and depression as well as loss of self-esteem, weight-loss or gain, change in behaviour. Their families may feel anger, frustration and helplessness.

1.3 Explain how practices that support diversity, equality and inclusion reduce the likelihood of discrimination

The significance of inclusive practice in encouraging equality and supporting diversity is about the approaches, strategies and attitudes taken to ensure that people are not isolated or excluded. Supporting diversity by acknowledging and welcoming people’s differences and promoting equality by ensuring equal opportunities are accessible for all. Responding with acknowledgement and sensitively to an individual’s diverse needs assists them in developing a sense of belonging, confidence and well-being in their own abilities and their own identity.

2 Know how to work in an inclusive way

2.1 List key legislation and codes of practice relating to diversity, equality, inclusion and discrimination in adult social care settings

Current legislation and codes of practice :

Equality act 2010
Human rights act 1998
GSCC Code of practice
The disability discrimination act 2005
The equal pay act 1970
The sex discrimination act 1975 (and amendments of 1982, 1999) The race relations act of 1976 (and amendments of 2000, 2003)

there are also the following acts as well:
Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974
Employment Act 2002
Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2003
Employment Equality (Religion or Belief) Regulations 2003
Employment Equality (Age) 2006
Gender Recognition Act 2004
Civil Partnership Act 2004
Disability Equality Duty 2006
Work and Families Act 2006
The Racial and Religious Hatred Act 2006
The Gender Equality Duty 200

2.2 Describe how to interact with individuals in an inclusive way :

There are a wide variety of things a care worker can do to ensure that they work and interact with individuals in an inclusive way such as respecting the service users and fellow colleges alike regardless of their social identity, for example treating someone who has a wealthy background in the same way as you would treat a person with disadvantaged background. It would be an advantage for care workers to attempt to increase their knowledge or understanding of certain aspects of all different social identities, especially ones that are different from their own and that of individuals they know. For example if there is a new service user taking part in a group activity of playing cards, and there is indecision on which card game to play, by increasing their knowledge of a service user, the carer may discover that they were from Lancashire and know how to play all fours, and so asking them if they can play it, and if they would like to instruct others on how to play would be a good way to include others through improving their understanding of an individual that has a different social background.

A good way of including an individual is to not cause upset or make them feel unwelcome by being stereotypical or making assumptions about an individual based on their social identity. Taking the time to react to each individual, and show the service user that the carer recognises them as an individual, involving the service user into the group other than discussing with the group as a whole. 2.3 describe ways in which discrimination may be challenged in adult social care settings:

Within a nursing or residential home it is your responsibility as a carer to challenge and remove discrimination in any form. Being aware that with any act of discrimination must be seen from both points of view and be dealt with both interests of both parties, their needs and even their cultures. For example if an individual who is known to have racist tendencies is asking someone of a different racial background to give them their drink, accusations could be made leading to false assumptions and an incorrect verdict maybe heading towards discrimination being contested in the wrong way, the person who is demanding the others drink could have had it taken away from them by the other, so therefore circumstances needs to be properly reassessed and handled in a correct way that leads to all parties being treated fairly. Always use positive language and avoid any words that could be offensive to an individual is a clear way of avoiding unfair discrimination. Also giving each individual a chance to question any discrimination and supporting their rights as individuals.

3 know how to access information, advice and support about diversity, equality, inclusion and discrimination

3.1 Advice and information about diversity, equality, inclusion and discrimination can always be found in the policies and procedures of any care home that you may work in, as well as the individual care plans for the residents. For a more variety and personal set of information and advice then a senior member of staff can help, as well as The Equality and Human Rights Commission which was created to contest discrimination and promote equality and human rights, they have a website online. There is also always the direct.gov website available which has a diverse amount of information

3.2 Describe how and when to access information, advice and support about diversity, equality,inclusion and discrimination. If you feel or suspect that someone is a victim of discrimination then it needs be reported immediately to your senior or manager for support and advice, as well as if you feel that you yourself are a victim of discrimination in any way this should be taken to your senior or manager. If you suspect there maybe discrimination in the home but are unsure of how to deal with it, or even if it is justified to intervene with something then advice should be sought after from a senior member of staff if the answer cannot be acquired by looking through care plans or any policies and procedures.

For example if you have had a complaint about discrimination in the home however are incapable to actually witness it for yourself and are not aware of what to do, the person may be untruthful, or the person may be a victim to inequality or discrimination by someone who is very efficient at not being caught, It would be highly unlikely to witness something yourself, so looking for support and advice from a senior member of staff, or even another care worker may control the situation with more people keeping an eye out, and working to safeguard the individual in question.