In April 2006, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) published its first Equality and Diversity Scheme (EDS) 2006-2009, which included an undertaking to review it once the Gender Duty came into force in 2007. In April 2008 the revised EDS 2008-11 was published. This EDS set out how we intended to meet our statutory general and specific Race, Disability and Gender Equality Duties. Additionally, it included our approach to other particular characteristics and took account of existing and likely future legislation to promote equality and diversity. Our focus was to increasingly move to positive equality outcomes and reporting mechanisms were established to ensure that these were reviewed annually by senior management, with adverse effects acted upon.
The EDS for the MOD encompassed the Armed Forces, the MOD Police (MDP) and the wider Department. Our schemes demonstrated our continued commitment to the equality and diversity agenda; making equality and diversity integral to all our policies, functions and services.
Since the introduction of the: Equality Act 2010 - Public Sector Equality Duty, the MDP are now included within the MOD's wider Department for the requirements under the Equality Duty and are not considered separately.
Date: 26 Feb 09