Name the nine protected characteristics in the Equality Act 2010, using their legal names
Equality law for everyone who works for a business in Great Britain. The course covers the nine protected characteristics in the Equality Act 2010, direct and indirect discrimination, discrimination arising from disability, reasonable adjustments, harassment and victimisation. It explains positive action, equal pay, bullying, the duty to prevent sexual harassment and the stronger rules from 30 October 2026 covering clients and other third parties, how to work fairly with colleagues whose views differ, and what to do if you see or experience something wrong.
Content last reviewed 8 October 2026
What you will be able to do
- Name the nine protected characteristics in the Equality Act 2010, using their legal names
- Explain what disability, gender reassignment, sex, and marriage and civil partnership mean in the Act
- Tell direct discrimination, indirect discrimination and discrimination arising from disability apart
- Describe when an employer must make reasonable adjustments and give examples
- Explain the difference between lawful positive action and unlawful positive discrimination, and what equal pay for equal work means
- Recognise the three types of harassment, including sexual harassment, why intent is not the test, and how bullying differs
- Explain the employer's duty to prevent sexual harassment and the changes from 30 October 2026, including third parties
- Use practical habits that reduce the effect of bias on decisions and meetings
- Respect colleagues whose beliefs differ from yours without harassing or being harassed
- Act as a bystander: step in where safe, support the person, make a note and report
- Raise a concern under your employer's procedure, and explain the protection against victimisation
What is inside
5 modules, built to be applied at work.
Introduction
- Introduction2 min
The Equality Act and the nine protected characteristics
- The Equality Act 20102 min
- What some of the characteristics mean2 min
- Check your understanding2 min
Discrimination, adjustments and equal pay
- Quick recall1 min
- Three forms of discrimination2 min
- Reasonable adjustments2 min
- Positive action and equal pay1 min
- Check your understanding2 min
Harassment, including sexual harassment and clients
- Quick recall1 min
- What harassment is2 min
- Preventing sexual harassment2 min
- Check your understanding1 min
Bias and inclusive behaviour
- Quick recall1 min
- Bias you may not notice1 min
- Respect where views differ3 min
- Check your understanding1 min
Speaking up and raising a concern
- Quick recall1 min
- If you see something1 min
- Raising a concern5 min
- Check your understanding1 min
- Course test5 min
A credential you can prove
Finish the course and earn a certificate with its own public verification page. Share it on LinkedIn or attach it to an application; anyone can check it.
Who wrote it and who checked it
- Next review due
- 8 October 2028
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