1.1 Summarise how legislation, policies and codes of practice apply to and influence own work role.
Having a clear awareness of the laws that govern how we should perform at work is crucial. These rules often focus on key values such as fairness, inclusion, respect for rights, and fighting discrimination. Together, they form the foundation of professional standards, and they tell us as professionals what is expected from us when we fulfil our duties.
One of the most significant pieces of legislation in this area is the Equality Act 2010, which protects people from unfair treatment. The law ensures that no one is judged or excluded based on their age, disability, ethnicity, or other characteristics (Government Equalities Office & Home Office, 2015). It promotes equality by making discriminatory actions unlawful—allowing everyone to access justice if they experience prejudice.
Another fundamental law is the Human Rights Act 1998, which highlights basic freedoms that must be protected in daily work practices. Similarly important, the Care Act 2014 outlines responsibilities for guaranteeing personalised support for adults with specific care needs (Department of Health & Social Care, 2014). This act reminds us to shape our services so they meet individual requirements effectively and respectfully.
These laws bring accountability into workplaces by introducing principles and policies designed to encourage inclusive environments where individuals feel valued and empowered. For example: respecting someone’s right to make their own choices links directly back to ideas in the Mental Capacity Act, which stresses that help should be offered without taking away personal freedoms (Ministry of Justice 2007). Likewise, ensuring tailored approaches for supporting autistic individuals aligns closely with guidance presented under the Autism Act (National Autistic Society n.d.).
By following these legal frameworks day-to-day, it becomes possible not only to act ethically but also maintain dignity within all relationships—whether working with colleagues or supporting individuals directly. To meet these expectations well requires more than just knowing about these regulations; my actions must actively promote behaviours rooted in equality, human rights principles and empowerment-based service delivery models.
Other answers in the full document:
- 1.2 Describe how external factors influence own work role.
- 2.1 Define each of the following terms within the context of own practice:
- Diversity
- Equality
- Inclusion
- Discrimination
- Unconscious bias
- Protected characteristics
- Human rights
- 2.2 Explain how inclusive practice and cultures promote equality, diversity, inclusion and human rights.
- 2.3 Evaluate how the promotion of equality, diversity, inclusion and human rights can lead to improved outcomes for individuals.
- 2.4 Describe how own organisation promotes equality, diversity, inclusion and human rights.
- 2.5 Reflect on own role in promoting equality, diversity, inclusion and human rights.
- 3.1 Describe the potential effects of discrimination.
- 3.2 Give examples of how unconscious bias may affect own and others’ behaviour.
- 3.3 Describe how to respond to and challenge discrimination in a way that promotes positive change.
- 3.4 State how and to whom discriminatory or exclusive behaviour should be reported.