Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy

What this policy covers

This policy applies to employees, volunteers, workers and contractors.

The Society values and actively strives to have a diverse and inclusive workforce in a working environment free from discrimination. An inclusive work culture where people of different backgrounds are valued equally will ensure better outcomes for us all. We continually engage with our staff as well as external partners to help us to understand how we can make our workplace more inclusive and gain an insight into what our staff need most from us.

The Society will seek to promote the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion in all its dealings with members, employees, volunteers, workers, job applicants, clients, customers, suppliers, contractors, recruitment agencies and the public.

Everyone who acts on the Society's behalf are required to adhere to this policy when undertaking their duties or when representing the Society in any other guise.

Your entitlements and responsibilities

Unlawful discrimination

Unlawful discrimination of any kind in the working environment will not be tolerated and the Society will take all necessary action to prevent its occurrence.

Specifically, the Society aims to ensure that no member, employee, worker or job applicant is subject to unlawful discrimination, either directly or indirectly, on the grounds of gender, gender reassignment, race (including colour, nationality, caste and ethnic origin), disability, sexual orientation, marital status, part-time status, pregnancy or maternity, age, religion or belief, political belief or affiliation or trade union membership. This commitment applies to all aspects of employment, including:

• recruitment and selection, including advertisements, job descriptions, interview and selection procedures
• training
• promotion and career-development opportunities
• terms and conditions of employment, and access to employment-related benefits and facilities
• grievance handling and the application of disciplinary procedures
• selection for redundancy,

Equality, diversity and inclusion practice is developing constantly as social attitudes and legislation change. The Society will review all policies and implement necessary changes where these could improve equality of opportunity.

Inclusion

Everyone within the Society must fully understand and comprehend how this policy will affect them and they must abide by the following when carrying out their duties. When working for or representing the Society you must:

• ensure that you are always presenting the best of yourself at work and in supporting your colleagues so that we encourage an engaged, welcoming and committed workplace which realises the potential of all involved;
• understand the policies surrounding Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in the capacity of your role and how they affect not only you but your fellow colleagues;
• be receptive and open to differences and where appropriate challenge your own thinking to ensure you do not fall foul of making assumptions about colleagues and/or customers who may be different to you;
• understand the full breadth of the negative impact discrimination of any kind can have on the Society, our customers and your colleagues;
• follow the appropriate channels to challenge behaviours that are not inclusive; and
• ensure that the Society's Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy is at the forefront of your mind when dealing with customers in order to respect their differences so that you represent the Society in the correct light.

Feb 2024