Glossary

colour-blindness

means downplaying a person’s race or ethnic background and treating them the same as anyone else. Although this might appear the right thing to do, it ignores the role that race and ethnicity plays in shaping peoples’ experiences, and the challenges they may encounter because of this. Therefore, by being colour-blind, it can act as a barrier against anti-racist action.

cultural competence

relates to the ways in which an individual is able to understand and effectively interact with people from diverse racial, ethnic, cultural and religious backgrounds. This is drawn from a genuine curiosity in learning about and valuing cultural differences.

equality

refers to the equal treatment of people based on their rights, opportunities and status. In the UK, people are protected under the Equality Act 2010.

equity

acknowledges that people, based on their identities and backgrounds, may not have the same experiences and opportunities as everyone else and therefore equitable practices attempt to account for this and try to level the playing field.