Policies & Procedures

Equality Policy

WSH PC crest

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 is an integral part of what we do, not an after-thought.

How will we do this?

People (members, staff, volunteers, and service 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, in compliance with current legislation.

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.

Monitoring & Reviewing

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

The Law

The policy will be implemented within the framework of the legislation, as updated which includes:

  • Equality Act 2010
  • Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000
  • The Protection from Harassment Act 1999
  • Marriage (same Sex Couples) Act 2013

Adopted June 2020

Revised Policy adopted April 2021, reviewed April 2022, 

Update of Act's April 2023, Reviewed April 2024