GMC consults on Equality Scheme

The General Medical Council (GMC) is seeking views on its proposed Equality Scheme for 2011-2014.

With the aid of responses to the consultation, it is hoping to develop a scheme to ensure it fulfils its equality duty obligations for disability, gender, age, sexual orientation, race and religion. This includes:

• Eliminating discrimination
• Promoting equality of opportunity
• Fostering good relations
• Promoting positive attitudes towards disabled people
• Taking account of a disabled person’s disabilities.

In planning the consultation, the GMC identified key areas that are critical to it meeting its statutory duties and that require attention.

The consultation will close on 15 October 2010, with the results expected to be published on 15 December 2010. The draft Equality Scheme will go to the GMC’s Council for approval in January 2011.