It provides a regulatory framework and it can signal social change. But social change is also significantly influenced by measures to make sure that the principles of the law are accepted, and by the way in which practices evolve. There is significant scope for encouraging equal opportunities through developing appropriate policies and practices. Development of practice and policies is crucial to the exercise of rights and the promotion of equal opportunities. The emphasis in this strategy is on what can be done through policy and practice.
Equality is a complex idea.
There is no single and simple definition. Equal treatment approach This assumes that if each group is treated the same there will be a fair and equal outcome. But different groups have different needs and we recognise that this approach will not always result in equal opportunities. Ignoring relevant differences to provide policies and practices that are the same for everyone can lead to inequality. This may be said to be 'achieving a level playing field'.