scope:

This standard applies to anyone undertaking any policy, practice, project or business change which will have an adverse impact on people. 

For example:

a) projects;

b) change programmes;

c) strategies;

d) standards and policies;

e) major investment decisions;

f) renewals;

g) events;

h) office moves/relocations;

i) temporary works. 

NOTE: This list is indicative of projects or business changes but is not exhaustive. 

DIA activity does not only apply to the built environment. These supporting standards will support other business activities:

a) NR/GN/CIV/300/07

b) NR/CIV/TUM/400

c) NR/CIV/SD/TUM/4000

d) NR/GN/CIV/100/02

e) NR/GN/CIV/200

f) NR/GN/CIV/100/03

g) NR/GN/CIV/200/03

h) NR/GN/CIV/200/04

i) NR/GN/CIV/200/11

j) NR/L2/CIV/150

k) NR/L2/OCS/060

l) NR/L3/CIV/160

Purpose 

The Equality Act 2010 introduced new obligations for Network Rail which are part of the company's Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED). 

To allow transparency and to assist in the performance of this public sector organisations duties, the Equality Act 2010 (Specific Duties) Regulations 2011requires public authorities to publish: 

 a) equality objectives, at least every four years, 

 b) information to demonstrate their compliance with the public sector equality duty. 

This standard sets out how Network Rail will meet its obligations under this legislation; providing direction to Network Rail for any project or business change activity which might impact any of the nine protected characteristics as referenced in the Equality Act 2010. Allowing anyone to identify: 

 a) how new projects, decisions and other business activities affect passengers, employees and members of the public who have a 'protected characteristic(s)'; and 

 b) how these impact on people with a 'protected characteristic' can be removed or mitigated. 

This supports Network Rail to: 

 a) achieve a fully inclusive and safe experience for staff and customers using its services and stations, as well as all business activities throughout the rail industry, 

 b) advance equality; and 

 c) identify unintended negative consequences and mitigate against them. 

Other relevant guidance documents within Network Rail's updated Building and Civils suite should be read in conjunction with this standard.