Equality, diversity and human rights (EDHR) accessibility policy
Introduction:
Space 2B You are committed to encouraging equality, diversity and inclusion among our workforce, clients, public and partnerships. Therefore, Space 2B You will continually work to eliminate unlawful discrimination and prejudice whilst creating equality of opportunity for staff and service provision.
The aim is for our workforce, clients, and partnerships to be truly representative of all sections of society and for individuals to feels respected and provided with equal opportunities.
Objective:
Space 2B You are committed to providing the highest standard of service and equal opportunity to staff, clients, partnerships, and the public. Therefore, all staff must ensure they understand and comply with the Equality, Diversity and Human Rights Accessibility Policy.
Scope:
This policy applies to all staff working with Space 2B You.
Policy Statement:
This policy’s purpose is to:
1. Provide equality, fairness, and respect for all in staff, self-employed contractors, temporary, part-time, or full-time
2. Not unlawfully discriminate because of the Equality Act 2010 protected characteristics of:
age
disability
gender reassignment
marriage and civil partnership
pregnancy and maternity
race (including colour, nationality, and ethnic or national origin)
religion or belief
sex
sexual orientation
3. Individuals may also experience discrimination and disadvantage due to:
social class
cultural practices
language
domestic, caring, and childcare responsibilities
geography
ability
appearance
education
employment
spirituality
HIV status
4. Oppose and avoid all forms of unlawful discrimination. This includes in:
pay and benefits.
terms and conditions of employment
dealing with grievances and discipline
dismissal
redundancy
leave for parents.
requests for flexible working
selection for employment, promotion, training, or other developmental opportunities
Space 2B You Commitment:
Space 2B You acknowledge institutional structures, practices and procedures can be discriminatory to the above groups. Equality of opportunity, diversity and inclusion is an integral part of Space 2B You’s values, vision, and culture. Therefore, Space 2B You are committed to promoting equal opportunities whilst eradicating prejudice and discrimination and will encourage private contractors and suppliers to adopt similar policies and practices.
Space 2B You are committed to complying with United Kingdom and European Community anti-discriminatory legislation.
Create a working environment free of bullying, harassment, victimisation, unlawful discrimination, promoting dignity and respect for all. In addition, to recognise and value individual difference. This commitment includes training managers and all other employees about their rights and responsibilities under the equality, diversity, and human rights policy. Responsibilities include staff conducting themselves to support the Space 2B You to provide equal opportunities in employment, prevent bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination. All staff should understand they can be held liable for acts of bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination against fellow employees, contractors, clients, partnerships, and the public.
Take seriously complaints of bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination by fellow employees, client, partnerships, contactors, visitors, public and any others during Space 2B You work activities. Such acts will be dealt with as misconduct under Space 2B You grievance and disciplinary procedures, and appropriate action will be taken. Particularly serious complaints could amount to gross misconduct and lead to dismissal without notice. Further, sexual harassment may amount to both an employment rights matter and a criminal matter, such as in sexual assault allegations. In addition, harassment under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 – which is not limited to circumstances where harassment relates to a protected characteristic – is a criminal offence.
Make opportunities for training to all staff.
Make decisions concerning staff being based on merit (apart from in any necessary and limited exemptions and exceptions allowed under the Equality Act).
Review employment practices and procedures when necessary to ensure fairness and update policies to take account of changes in the law.
Space 2B You will record and monitor the workforce demographics such as age, sex, ethnic background, sexual orientation, religion or belief, and disability. This will be reviewed annually. Therefore, continually working to eliminate unlawful discrimination and prejudice whilst creating equality of opportunity for staff and service provision.
Reporting Incidents, harassment and victimisation:
Space 2B you are committed to creating an environment in which the workforce, clients, public, contractors and partnerships feel confident in reporting incidents of harassment, unlawful discrimination, and prejudice. Space 2B you will take seriously, address and investigate all reported incidents in-line with the Equality Act 2010 and other Space 2B You policy and procedures including Complaints Policy, Whistleblowing Policy, Codes of Conduct Policy and Grievance and Disciplinary Policy.
Anyone reporting an incident should complete an incident form (see appendix) and raise this with the Directors, Clinical supervisor and Administrator/PA to Directors.
All incidents will be recorded and discussed in the incidents meeting.
Monitoring and Evaluation:
Space 2B You will monitor any changes in law and are committed to analysing and evaluating the workforce and service provisions. Therefore, information collated will help Space 2B You understand of how the policy and practices are working towards creating equality of opportunity and eliminating unlawful discrimination, harassment, and victimisation. The Policy will be updated annually.
Data Security and Protection:
Personal identifying Information concerning clients or staff is strictly confidential and must not be disclosed to unauthorised persons. This obligation shall continue in perpetuity. Disclosures of confidential information or disclosures of any data of a personal nature can result in prosecution for an offence under the General Data Protection Regulations 2018 or an action for civil damages under the same Act. In addition, Space 2B you may take disciplinary action.
Disciplinary Action:
Breach of this Policy may result in disciplinary action including dismissal. Please see Codes of Conduct and Disciplinary Policy.
Contact Details:
If staff members have any concerns, please contact Space 2B You directors Marie-Anne McKee and Alison Joyce.
Telephone:
020 3048 3331 (ext. 301)
Email:
www.barbara.johnston@space2byou.co.uk