Equal Opportunities

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.
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How will we do this?

People (members, staff, volunteers and users)

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  • 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.
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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.
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Monitoring and Reviewing

  • The make-up of volunteers, staff, users and participants endeavours to be inclusive of the whole community wherever possible.

 

 

 

 

This policy was adopted at a meeting held on …………………………………………

 

Signed on behalf of council………………………………………………………………..

 

Position ………………………………………………………………………………………..