Equality, Diversity and Rights

Equality, Diversity and Rights

Task 1

Consistently demonstrate the principles of good practice

1.1 - Identify the principles of good practice. Demonstrate your understanding of the breadth and depth of these principles.

1.2 Critically evaluate your own practice

1.3 Evaluate a care plan in respect of its contribution to promoting equality, diversity and rights

1.1

Good Practice means promoting equal opportunities and this is achieved by implementing anti-discriminatory practices. Also, putting equal opportunities into action, requiring knowledge and understanding of the principles and practices of equal opportunities.

The principles of good practice are as follows:

1. Knowledge of equal rights legislation - your responsibilities under that legislation and putting them into practice.

Under this principle the person who is following it should make sure they know how each equal opportunity policy affects their client group. Also, to show they know how to convey these policies this should be done within their day to day work. To work within the boundaries of the legislation and to know what responsibilities need to be undertaken and then show that these responsibilities have been understood by putting them into practice. There is much legislation that may need to be followed including Equal Pay Act 1970, Sex Discrimination Acts 1975&1986, Race Relations Act 1976 and Disability Discrimination Act 1995.

2. Knowledge of the organisation's equal opportunities policy and codes of practice and your responsibilities and putting them into practice.

To know and to understand the organisation's policies and codes of practice which enable both the public and professionals to measure whether quality care is being delivered or not. To know and to understand your responsibilities and duties within the organisation and to put them into practice by integrating them into your day to day work.

3. Knowing and implementing anti-discriminatory practices.

To know and to adopt anti-discriminatory practices, for staff to eliminate direct or indirect discrimination on the grounds of race, gender, disability, age, sexual preferences, culture and marital status, national origins and criminal convictions. Indirect discrimination occurs when a condition is applied which places people from one race in a more advantageous position than people of another race. Direct discrimination is where an individual is discriminated against because of their race or sex.

4. Using language and resources in the early years setting, which promote equal opportunities.

Using all resources in the early years setting to promote equal opportunities is so that all children and toddlers have something to play or learn with. So that no one from a race is left out or someone with a disability. Meaning to be able to accommodate for all children/toddlers.

5. On-going training in equal opportunities practices.

Workers who go on to further professional training will be equipped by their training to make decisions in a way that respects client's rights. Gives professional's a continuous process of learning and gain new experiences. Every experienced worker should be willing to take a new look at what he/she practices so to develop their knowledge and understanding even further as practices change with time.

6. Staff development, appraisal and review sessions to maintain up-to-date standards of good practice.

This is essential as good practice never stops. Part of good practice is the professional's willingness to reassess their own practice based on their individual performance, as a team and as a whole organisation. All staff should be introduced to the principles of good practice irrespective of any differences, they should know the all legislation that relates to discriminatory behaviour. To participate in the development of the organisation's equal opportunities policy or code of practice as these could be made part of the staff development programme.

These principles should always be in the minds of those who work in the field of health and social care, these people need to embrace and provide richer life experiences, better tolerance, acceptance and respect.

1.2

I am currently on work placement at Fivemiletown Primary School. I have previously done three weeks work experience there.

Whilst I am working with/interacting with the children I always try to treat each of them as individuals. I try to do this by taking into account their different interests, any learning difficulties they may have and what they are able to do.

I always try to treat each of them equally and not to 'favour' anyone above the others. During my three weeks work experience I do not think I carried this out very well as I admit to favouring a few of the children above the rest. I try not to do this and as I have got more experience now with children I almost nearly do not do it anymore.

If I hear anything about any of the children's background, home life/circumstances or incidences involving a certain child I do not let that cloud my own judgement of that child. I always make my judgement on the children as well as the staff because I think it is only fair. I feel that everyone is entitled to their own opinion but should try to influence someone's decisions or judgements as they would not like it done to them.

There are many people who 'stereotype' this is making assumptions about them based on their age, sex, race, nationality, and sexuality.

For me it does not matter what age, sex, race, nationality or sexuality a person is as we are all people at the end of the day and deserve to be here.

People can be prejudice as well this means liking or disliking someone because of how you feel about their lifestyle or background.

Not so much a person's lifestyle