Discrimination can be direct, indirect, intentional, unintentional, or institutional. Discrimination is unlawful, and individuals have a responsibility not to discriminate.
Direct discrimination
Where an individual or group receives less favourable treatment with some unjustifiable reason, for example because of sex, gender, race or disability, faith, sexual orientation or age.
Indirect discrimination
Where applying unjustifiable requirements and conditions that have a disproportionate impact on an individual or particular group.
Institutional discrimination
Where the collective failure of an organisation to provide an appropriate and professional service to people because of their background or experience. It can be seen in our attitudes, behaviours and procedures that amount to discrimination through unwitting prejudice, ignorance, thoughtlessness, and stereotyping which disadvantage people.
At Surrey County Council we are fully committed to tackling all forms of unlawful or unfair discrimination including those on the grounds of: age, asylum or refugee status, caring responsibilities, civil partnership status, class, disability (including physical, sensory impairment, mental health problems, or learning disability), ethnic or national origin (including Travellers), gender, gender reassignment, HIV status, language, marital status, nationality (including citizenship), philosophical belief, race, religious belief or non belief, sexual orientation, trade union membership or working arrangements.
