Latest news with #PublicSectorEqualityDuty
The Independent
01-04-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Equalities watchdog to consider enforcement powers after NHS Fife exchange
The UK equalities regulator says it is considering whether to use its enforcement powers following recent correspondence with NHS Fife. The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) had earlier sought to remind the health board of its 'obligations' under equalities legislation. It said assessments of new policies and practices which affect equalities legislation must be published. The intervention came amid a high-profile employment tribunal brought against NHS Fife by nurse Sandie Peggie – who was suspended after she complained about having to share a changing room with transgender medic Dr Beth Upton at the hospital where they both worked. Chaired by Baroness Kishwer Falkner, the EHRC has powers to carry out investigations and apply for interdicts in the Scottish courts, if it believes organisations are not complying with equalities law. The Daily Telegraph reported an exchange of letters between the EHRC and NHS Fife. One of these was a March 27 letter from NHS Fife chief executive Carol Potter to EHRC chief executive John Kirkpatrick. She said: 'We recognise the significant media attention and public discussion this issue has generated. 'However, as with any complex legal and organisational matter, not all facts or considerations may be fully reflected in external reporting.' She said the health board recognises its responsibilities under the Equalities Act 2010, saying that the current legal process must conclude before any potential changes to practices can be considered. NHS Fife is 'committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and non-discriminatory environment for all staff and patients', the chief executive said. Ms Potter also said NHS Fife is also awaiting the publication of a national 'gender transitioning guide' from NHS Scotland which will inform policy. A spokesperson for the EHRC told the PA news agency: 'The policies and practices of all Scottish health boards must comply with the Equality Act 2010, as it relates to the provision of single-sex services and spaces. 'We wrote to NHS Fife to remind them of their obligations under the Public Sector Equality Duty, and request that they provide information relevant to the provision of changing facilities for their staff and the rights of different groups in the application of these policies. 'We are currently reviewing the response NHS Fife provided and will be writing to them again shortly. 'As Britain's equality regulator, we will consider any appropriate next steps, including the use of our enforcement powers.'
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Equalities watchdog to consider enforcement powers after NHS Fife exchange
The UK equalities regulator says it is considering whether to use its enforcement powers following recent correspondence with NHS Fife. The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) had earlier sought to remind the health board of its 'obligations' under equalities legislation. It said assessments of new policies and practices which affect equalities legislation must be published. The intervention came amid a high-profile employment tribunal brought against NHS Fife by nurse Sandie Peggie – who was suspended after she complained about having to share a changing room with transgender medic Dr Beth Upton at the hospital where they both worked. Chaired by Baroness Kishwer Falkner, the EHRC has powers to carry out investigations and apply for interdicts in the Scottish courts, if it believes organisations are not complying with equalities law. The Daily Telegraph reported an exchange of letters between the EHRC and NHS Fife. One of these was a March 27 letter from NHS Fife chief executive Carol Potter to EHRC chief executive John Kirkpatrick. She said: 'We recognise the significant media attention and public discussion this issue has generated. 'However, as with any complex legal and organisational matter, not all facts or considerations may be fully reflected in external reporting.' She said the health board recognises its responsibilities under the Equalities Act 2010, saying that the current legal process must conclude before any potential changes to practices can be considered. NHS Fife is 'committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and non-discriminatory environment for all staff and patients', the chief executive said. Ms Potter also said NHS Fife is also awaiting the publication of a national 'gender transitioning guide' from NHS Scotland which will inform policy. A spokesperson for the EHRC told the PA news agency: 'The policies and practices of all Scottish health boards must comply with the Equality Act 2010, as it relates to the provision of single-sex services and spaces. 'We wrote to NHS Fife to remind them of their obligations under the Public Sector Equality Duty, and request that they provide information relevant to the provision of changing facilities for their staff and the rights of different groups in the application of these policies. 'We are currently reviewing the response NHS Fife provided and will be writing to them again shortly. 'As Britain's equality regulator, we will consider any appropriate next steps, including the use of our enforcement powers.'
Yahoo
09-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Man tries to evict protestors from International Women's Day event for saying ‘no woman has a penis'
A council worker attempted to evict a group from an International Women's Day event after they distributed leaflets declaring 'no woman has a penis'. The incident occurred on Saturday afternoon in Darlington as women gathered at a council-run venue to celebrate the fight for female equality and liberation. Representatives from Let Women Speak, a gender-critical pressure group, attended the function but were told they were not welcome and were even warned the police would be called if they did not leave. The leaflets stated that women do not have penises and men do not have vaginas, and claimed transitioning children is 'profound child abuse'. Let Women Speak was just one of a number of groups that had gathered at the venue to mark International Women's Day. It was being hosted at a venue called Number Forty Skinnergate, described as a 'safe space for everyone on a night out in Darlington town centre'. But the delegates from the group, which describes itself as a global women's rights movement, were told that they were not welcome at the event because the leaflets breached the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED). The PSED is a law that requires public bodies to promote equality and reduce discrimination. A video posted on social media shows a dispute between two members of the group and Andrew Allison, the former Darlington borough council community resilience officer, who now runs the council-funded venue. In the exchange he is heard telling the activists: 'This building is a safe space for all on Friday and Saturday nights, [the] Public Sector Equality Duty requires us to foster good relations between all groups and this isn't doing that I'm afraid, so I am going to have to ask you to leave.' One of the delegates countered that the slogans on the leaflet were 'statements of fact' or 'objective reality'. But Mr Allison said while he was not disputing anything on the leaflet, his role was to ensure the PSED was applied. He said while the venue was advertised as a 'safe space', it was not for those who voiced 'those opinions'. Asked about freedom of speech, Mr Allison replied: 'Freedom of speech is fine but as far as Darlington borough council is concerned freedom of speech doesn't mean thoughtless speech and we have a duty under the Equality Act and unfortunately are going to have to ask you to leave because that doesn't comply with what we do.' Despite being warned that the police would be called if they did not leave, the Let Women Speak delegates refused and stayed until the event finished at around 3pm. Rose Cross, the North East co-ordinator for Let Women Speak said the exchange had left members feeling upset and harassed. She told The Telegraph: 'They demanded we shut down the event organised by a local Darlington woman because of the Let Women Speak leaflets we had on display at the open public event on International Women's Day. 'Mr Allison stormed in, it felt very aggressive. He demanded to speak to the organiser and he talked about protecting safe spaces but where was our free speech and our safe space? 'He said 'you're not welcome here, with these views', told us to leave and threatened to call the police. We felt very harassed, upset and Darlington Council are failing women and free speech. 'We felt discriminated against for being women and for holding perfectly legal views. 'For this to happen on International Women's Day really illustrates how public bodies do not understand the Equality Act and how to apply it. Let Women speak are owed an apology for this sex-based discriminatory behaviour and harassment by Darlington Council. Let Women Speak.' Kellie-Jay Keen, the founder of Let Women Speak who is also known as Posie Parker, said it showed how local authorities had been 'coerced and manipulated to accept the activist version of rights that means that women have no right to speak'. The venue where the incident took place operates as a 'safe space' for locals on a night out in the town and is open on Friday and Saturday nights between 9pm and 2am. On its website it states: 'From reuniting you with lost friends to providing first aid – we are there for you! 'Our volunteer staff have direct links to the police, the CCTV team and door staff around the town so you know you're in a safe place. 'We can provide water, blankets if you are feeling cold, a charger to bring your phone back to life and even flip flops if your feet are hurting. We can also provide first aid and help you report a crime.' Darlington borough council have been contacted for comment. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Telegraph
09-03-2025
- Politics
- Telegraph
Man tries to evict protestors from International Women's Day event for saying ‘no woman has a penis'
A council worker attempted to evict a group from an International Women's Day event after they distributed leaflets declaring 'no woman has a penis'. The incident occurred on Saturday afternoon in Darlington as women gathered at a council-run venue to celebrate the fight for female equality and liberation. Representatives from Let Women Speak, a gender-critical pressure group, attended the function but were told they were not welcome and were even warned the police would be called if they did not leave. The leaflets stated that women do not have penises and men do not have vaginas, and claimed transitioning children is 'profound child abuse'. Let Women Speak was just one of a number of groups that had gathered at the venue to mark International Women's Day. It was being hosted at a venue called Number Forty Skinnergate, described as a 'safe space for everyone on a night out in Darlington town centre'. But the delegates from the group, which describes itself as a global women's rights movement, were told that they were not welcome at the event because the leaflets breached the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED). The PSED is a law that requires public bodies to promote equality and reduce discrimination. This is a man objecting to Let Women Speak leaflets, that @LWSNorthEast put out, and using them to throw women out of an International Women's Day event. Yet again the genius of Let Women Speak reveals the insanity and misogyny of men. It's what we do best. — Kellie-Jay Keen (@ThePosieParker) March 9, 2025 A video posted on social media shows a dispute between two members of the group and Andrew Allison, the former Darlington borough council community resilience officer, who now runs the council-funded venue. In the exchange he is heard telling the activists: 'This building is a safe space for all on Friday and Saturday nights, [the] Public Sector Equality Duty requires us to foster good relations between all groups and this isn't doing that I'm afraid, so I am going to have to ask you to leave.' One of the delegates countered that the slogans on the leaflet were 'statements of fact' or 'objective reality'. But Mr Allison said while he was not disputing anything on the leaflet, his role was to ensure the PSED was applied. He said while the venue was advertised as a 'safe space', it was not for those who voiced 'those opinions'. Asked about freedom of speech, Mr Allison replied: 'Freedom of speech is fine but as far as Darlington borough council is concerned freedom of speech doesn't mean thoughtless speech and we have a duty under the Equality Act and unfortunately are going to have to ask you to leave because that doesn't comply with what we do.' Despite being warned that the police would be called if they did not leave, the Let Women Speak delegates refused and stayed until the event finished at around 3pm. 'You're not welcome here' Rose Cross, the North East co-ordinator for Let Women Speak said the exchange had left members feeling upset and harassed. She told The Telegraph: 'They demanded we shut down the event organised by a local Darlington woman because of the Let Women Speak leaflets we had on display at the open public event on International Women's Day. 'Mr Allison stormed in, it felt very aggressive. He demanded to speak to the organiser and he talked about protecting safe spaces but where was our free speech and our safe space? 'He said 'you're not welcome here, with these views', told us to leave and threatened to call the police. We felt very harassed, upset and Darlington Council are failing women and free speech. 'We felt discriminated against for being women and for holding perfectly legal views. 'For this to happen on International Women's Day really illustrates how public bodies do not understand the Equality Act and how to apply it. Let Women speak are owed an apology for this sex-based discriminatory behaviour and harassment by Darlington Council. Let Women Speak.' 'No right to speak' Kellie-Jay Keen, the founder of Let Women Speak who is also known as Posie Parker, said it showed how local authorities had been 'coerced and manipulated to accept the activist version of rights that means that women have no right to speak'. The venue where the incident took place operates as a 'safe space' for locals on a night out in the town and is open on Friday and Saturday nights between 9pm and 2am. On its website it states: 'From reuniting you with lost friends to providing first aid – we are there for you! 'Our volunteer staff have direct links to the police, the CCTV team and door staff around the town so you know you're in a safe place. 'We can provide water, blankets if you are feeling cold, a charger to bring your phone back to life and even flip flops if your feet are hurting. We can also provide first aid and help you report a crime.'
Yahoo
21-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Regulator sends equality 'reminder' to NHS Fife
The equality regulator has written to the Scottish government and NHS Fife amid the ongoing row over single-sex changing facilities. The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) said it had "reminded" the health board of its "obligations" under the Equality Act 2010 and requested to see assessments of policy. Baroness Kishwer Falkner, the chairwoman of the regulator, also asked for a meeting with Health Secretary Neil Gray regarding the government's forthcoming NHS Scotland Guide to Transitioning policy. The intervention comes after two weeks of evidence in an employment tribunal brought by Sandie Peggie, a nurse who objected to sharing a changing room with Dr Beth Upton - a trans woman. Ms Peggie was suspended after an altercation with Dr Upton on Christmas Eve 2023 at the Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy. The tribunal is currently adjourned until July. More stories from Edinburgh, Fife & East More stories from Scotland The equality regulator says health bodies must have an "accurate understanding" of how the Equality Act operates in relation to the provision of single-sex spaces. Baroness Falkner said it had "reminded NHS Fife of their obligation to protect individuals from discrimination and harassment on the basis of protected characteristics, including sex, religion or belief and gender reassignment". She added: "Under the Public Sector Equality Duty, all Scottish health boards must assess how their policies and practices affect people with protected characteristics." Baroness Falkner said the regulator had asked NHS Fife to provide evidence of how its policies and practices prevented discrimination and harassment of staff based on those protected characteristics. It also requested any information relevant to how the policies had been kept under review and any details on how the health board ensured the rights of different groups were balanced. The EHRC also wrote separately to NHS Fife to stress that any new policies regarding "eliminating discrimination, advancing equality of opportunity, and fostering good relations" must be assessed. It said the results of any assessments must also be published, and that it had not been able to find this information on the NHS Fife website. The letter also mentions workplace regulations stating that changing facilities will not be suitable without separate spaces for men and women. A second letter was sent to Scottish Health Secretary Neil Gray and First Minister John Swinney. In this letter the EHRC stated it was important that the upcoming NHS Scotland guide would "faithfully reflect and comply with the Equality Act 2010". In the draft NHS Scotland guide it states decisions regarding trans people using changing facilities should be "made on a case-by-case basis" and that "managers must balance the needs of the trans person to use this facility against the needs of other members of staff." Changing room row nurse faces disciplinary hearing Is there a lack of clarity around UK's gender laws? A spokesperson for NHS Fife said: "We acknowledge the letter from the Equality and Human Rights Commission and note its contents. We will respond fully to the commission in due course." A Scottish government spokesperson also said it would respond to the letter in due course and added: "The Scottish government expects all relevant organisations to comply with the requirements of the Equality Act 2010. "As employers, organisations may need to consider the impact of other legislation, such as the requirements of the law on health and safety in workplaces. "The Scottish government supports the separate and single sex exceptions in the Equality Act 2010, which can allow for trans people to be excluded when this is a proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim."
