Reading List

A curated Reading List to support and extend learning from Equality, Diversity and Inclusion for Optical Support Staff.

These sources are mainly official guidance. The course keeps legal and management detail light, so use these readings alongside local policy, role supervision and any relevant GOC follow-on courses when you need deeper professional context.

Optical standards and guidance

• GOC - Standards for Optical Businesses
  The business standards for optical providers, covering safe care, suitable environment, governance, staff training, confidentiality and support for staff whose work affects patient care.
  https://optical.org/standards-and-guidance/standards/standards-for-optical-businesses.html

• GOC - Care of patients in vulnerable circumstances
  Guidance on recognising vulnerability, adapting communication and keeping the patient central. Practical context for support staff who notice barriers or concerns during routine contact.
  https://optical.org/standards-and-guidance/guidance/care-of-patients-in-vulnerable-circumstances.html

• GOC - New GOC standards launched
  Overview of the 2025 standards update, including themes relevant to vulnerable patients, role identification, boundaries, workplace culture, digital technology and confidentiality.
  https://optical.org/resource/new-goc-standards-launched.html

• GOC - Standard 11: Protect and safeguard patients, colleagues and others
  Further reading for clinical staff, registrants and managers needing detailed professional context on EDI, safety, dignity and raising concerns.
  https://optical.org/standards-and-guidance/standards/standards-of-practice-for-optometrists-and-dispens/11-protect-and-safeguard-patients-colleagues-and-o.html

• GOC - Standard 13: Show respect and fairness to others and do not discriminate
  Professional standard on respect, fairness and non-discrimination, with practical optical examples for registrants and practice teams.
  https://optical.org/standards-and-guidance/standards/standards-of-practice-for-optometrists-and-dispens/13-show-respect-for-fairness-to-others-and-do-not-.html

Equality law and service-provider duties

• GOV.UK - Equality Act 2010: guidance
  Government overview of the Equality Act framework in Great Britain, including discrimination, protected characteristics and how the Act applies to services and work.
  https://www.gov.uk/guidance/equality-act-2010-guidance

• Equality and Human Rights Commission - Services, public functions and associations Code of Practice
  Authoritative guidance on applying equality law when providing services, including discrimination, harassment, reasonable adjustments and service-provider responsibilities.
  https://www.equalityhumanrights.com/sites/default/files/servicescode_0.pdf

• Equality Commission for Northern Ireland - Disability discrimination
  Northern Ireland guidance on disability discrimination and reasonable adjustments within its separate legal framework.
  https://equalityni.org/your-rights/disability-discrimination

Accessible communication, adjustments and language support

• NHS England - Accessible Information Standard implementation guidance
  England guidance on identifying, recording, flagging, sharing and meeting information and communication needs related to disability, impairment or sensory loss.
  https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/accessible-information-standard-implementation-guidance/

• NHS England - Reasonable Adjustment Digital Flag action checklist
  Practical guidance on recording, sharing and acting on reasonable adjustments in health and care records, including the 30 September 2026 compliance deadline for publicly funded services.
  https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/the-reasonable-adjustment-digital-flag-action-checklist/

• NHS England - Interpreting and translation services in primary care
  Guidance for commissioners on interpreting and translation services in primary care, relevant background for arranging safe language support.
  https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/guidance-for-commissioners-interpreting-and-translation-services-in-primary-care/

• GOV.UK - Language interpretation: migrant health guide
  Practical guidance on language support, including professional interpreting, avoiding children as interpreters and the risks of informal interpretation for health information.
  https://www.gov.uk/guidance/language-interpretation-migrant-health-guide

Use these readings to improve respectful communication, apply reasonable adjustments, deliver fair services, protect privacy and follow speaking-up routes in everyday optical practice.