Equality and diversity
Equality of opportunity and improving life chances are at the heart of what we do. We’re committed to reducing inequalities, encouraging social cohesion and finding innovative ways to provide excellent services
Hackney is one of London’s most popular places to live, work and do business. This has, however, made inequality even more stark. We need to be more focused on those facing the greatest inequality and those in poverty.
Equality objectives
We outline our equality objectives in our Equality Plan, see Plans, policies and strategies – Equality Plan 2024 to 2026.
Equality Plan 2024 to 2026
Full council approved the Equality Plan 2024 to 2026 in February 2024. See Plans, policies and strategies – Equality Plan 2024 to 2026.
Knowing our communities
For information on the history of Hackney’s communities and the diversity of its residents today, see Knowing our communities.
Equality based decision making
We take equality into account when making decisions – in most cases, reports for major decisions will include an equality impact assessment. They’re normally published alongside the cabinet report.
Collecting equality information
We regularly collect equality information from members of the public to make sure our services reach the people who need them.
Public Sector Equality Duty
We need to collect equality information as part of our legal responsibility to remove barriers and make services accessible for people with protected characteristics. This is part of the Equality Act 2010’s Public Sector Equality Duty.
This means we need to:
- stop all unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation
- remove barriers and make services accessible for people with protected characteristics
- build good relationships between communities by helping people understand and respect each other
To do this effectively, we need to have an understanding of who is using our services and who is not using them but would like to.
Knowing our workforce
For information on our staff, see Knowing our workforce.
The Equality Act 2010
See GOV.UK – Equality Act 2010: guidance
The legal definition of ‘sex’
On 16 April 2025, the UK Supreme Court decided that the term “sex” in the Equality Act 2010 means biological sex.
This decision applies across the UK and affects how public bodies such as councils deliver services.
See our response to the Supreme Court’s ruling (Google Doc).
Do you need advice?
If you feel you have been the victim of discrimination and would like advice and support, contact the Equality Advisory Support Service.