It consolidates and extends a range of previous legislation in respect of race relations, gender discrimination and disability discrimination by outlining nine 'protected characteristics'.

A number of guides have been written to help practitioners implement the Act but this appears to be the first with a specific focus on its possible implications for all those working within mental health services. This book aims to be an accessible guide to legal and technical information on the Act and attempts to provide practical ways of putting equality into mental health practice. -- The Psychiatric Bulletin This is an accessible, easy to understand and stimulating book on what can often be seen as either a theoretical topic or about addressing political correctness. -- British Journal of Occupational Therapy This book is both rich and fascinating. It combines deep theoretical insight with acute pragmatism and never fails to engage the reader. The book will provide an indispensable guide to anyone who wishes to understand the context in which equality legislation must be implemented, or, frankly, why that legislation became necessary in the first place. -- David Hewitt, Solicitor and partner at Weightmans LLP, UK and author of The Nearest Relative Handbook 2nd edition