Equality and Diversity Policy
What do we value?
• We value people from all backgrounds and believe they have a right to be free from prejudice and discrimination.
• We believe that while people are all different, they have an equal right to benefit from opportunities.
• We recognise that discrimination can be overt or covert – open or hidden.
• We endeavour not to discriminate on the grounds of : ability; age; colour; ethnic or national origin; gender; gender reassignment; intellect; marital status; nationality; race; religion or belief; sexual orientation; social or economic status (this is not an exhaustive list)
• Equality of opportunities is an integral part of what we do, not an after-thought.
How will we do this?
People (members, staff, volunteers and users)
• We challenge discriminatory comments, and support colleagues in challenging discriminatory comments.
• We recognise that people on the receiving end of such behaviour may need support.
• We welcome discussion with people with special requirements to identify how their needs might be met.
• We make sure anyone providing information about discrimination is not victimised.
Resources
• We ensure that any resources are balanced and reflect the diverse nature of the community.
• We endeavour to ensure that any resources are as accessible as possible to all abilities/cultures/languages of the community.
Meetings
• We endeavour to hold these at a time and place suitable to the majority, if not to all.
Food
• We respect people’s dietary needs, whether these are cultural, medical or moral.
Employment and volunteering
• We have a commitment to equal opportunities as part of any job description.
• We advertise as widely as possible, in accordance with needs and resources.
• We focus on ability, not disability.
• We treat all applicants fairly.
• We regularly review our procedures and application forms for staff and volunteers.
• Volunteers are as respected and supported as members of staff.
• We have an induction procedure for staff and volunteers
Training
• Staff and volunteers are encouraged to attend training relevant to their work.
• We encourage staff and volunteers to look at their personal/career development.
• Disability Discrimination Act
• We seek advice on making information and premises accessible under the DDA, where it is feasible to do so.
• We seek advice on recruitment and employment issues as necessary under the DDA.
Monitoring and Reviewing
• The make-up of volunteers, staff, users and participants endeavours to be inclusive of the whole community wherever possible.