Procedures and Policies

Heydour, Aisby and Oasby Parish Council

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 all meetings 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

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