Gender Equality Duty

The Gender Equality Duty (GED), which came into force in April 2007 required schools to have Gender Equality Schemes and action plans in place by 30th April. The duty requires schools to analyse pupil performance, to put in place plans to address gender-based disparities and to review the effectiveness of actions taken. New policies and procedures within schools will also need to be assessed (within the three years of the scheme) for any gender related impact they may have. School Governors also have a greater duty to monitor and analyse gender performance.

Existing systems for gathering information such as those for School Development Plans or during self-evaluation, can be adapted to collect data on gender equality. Gender Equality Schemes can themselves provide a useful framework for addressing gender-based elements within the 5 ECM objectives. For example, making sport and exercise more attractive to girls (being healthy), or addressing the greater degree of sexual/homophobic bullying that girls and boys, respectively, experience (staying safe).

The following documents may assist you:

• "Gender equality duty and schools" - a guidance document produced by the Children's Services Network of the Local Government Information Unit.



• The "Code of Practice" produced by the Equal Opportunities Commission, that accompanies the duty.



• A list of links to other useful sites for further information and examples of good practice.