Equality and Human Rights Commission

You can find out in more detail about what the law has to say on issues relating to health and social care in legislation such as the Health Act 2006 and the Mental Health Bill 2006.

You can also find out about the anti-discrimination and human rights legislation which relates to health and social care.

British anti-discrimination legislation defines different types of discrimination, such as direct and indirect discrimination, victimisation and harassment. Find out more about the legal definitions of discrimination and other related terminology, as well as general legal exemptions.

The Department of Health has developed guidance on human rights in healthcare settings. This document highlights the fact that human rights cover a set of core principles, including dignity, equality, respect, fairness and autonomy. These rights belong to everyone, all of the time, and cannot be ‘given’ or ‘taken away’. Find out more about human rights.