Provide a concise definition that covers the key ideas: same chances for everyone, and the absence of discrimination.
Full Answer
Equal opportunities is a principle of fairness that is enshrined in UK law, primarily through the Equality Act 2010. It doesn't mean that everyone will have the same outcomes, but that they should all have the same starting point and not be held back by prejudice or discrimination related to protected characteristics like race, gender, disability, or sexuality.
Common mistakes
A common mistake is to confuse equal opportunities with equal outcomes. The principle is about fair access, not guaranteeing everyone achieves the same result.