glossary of terms

diversity

Recognising that everyone is different in a variety of visible and non-visible ways, and that those differences are to be recognised, respected and valued. Individual differences include:

  • abilities

  • age

  • disability

  • learning styles

  • life experiences

  • neurodiversity

  • race or ethnicity

  • class

  • gender

  • sexual orientation

  • country of origin

  • cultural

  • political or religious affiliation

  • any other difference that exists

equity

Creating fair access, opportunity and advancement for people from under-represented groups. 

inclusion

Concerns the active creation of a learning, working and social environment that is welcoming, which recognises and celebrates difference and is reflected in structures, practices and attitude.

stereotypes

A stereotype is an exaggerated belief, image or distorted truth about a person or group. It is a generalisation that does not account for individual differences.

prejudice

A prejudice is an opinion or attitude about a group or individual. Prejudices are often built on ignorance, fear or hatred.

intersectionality

Intersectionality refers to the idea that an individual’s identity consists of various biological, social and cultural factors, including their race, ethnicity, gender, religion and sexual orientation etc, and that each of these contributes to their overall identity and to who they are as an individual.

Sources: NHS England and UKRI