• Eliminating discrimination, harassment, and victimisation.
• Advancing equality of opportunity.
• Fostering good relations between people with different protected characteristics.

Policy statement

The organisation values the rich diversity, skills and abilities that people from differing backgrounds and experiences bring to the workplace. Implementing and abiding by a policy that provides for diversity and equal opportunities and deters unlawful discrimination is therefore important to this organisation. 

‘Equality’ requires the organisation, and those who work for it, to treat everyone equally and fairly, with equal opportunities and rights. 

‘Diversity’ recognises that this world is full of differences. These differences should be noted, valued and positively embraced. It is important for differences to be recognised but it is equally important that, while recognising them, each and every person does so positively, with the importance of equality at the forefront of their minds. 

The purpose of this policy is to set out the aims of the organisation to create an inclusive working environment, where access to work is based on fair and objective criteria, and where there is zero tolerance of unlawful discrimination in respect of the workforce, patients, visitors and others involved in providing or receiving the organisation’s services. This organisation aims to implement clear processes in terms of how it supports and works towards its aims. Every person working for or on behalf of this organisation plays a vital role in implementing these aims.

The organisation also intends to be clear about how it will deal with actions that adversely impact on its stated aims.

The organisation will ensure that its working practices demonstrate its commitment to fairness and equity, equality of opportunity and that it is free from any bias that is founded in unlawful discrimination including how such aspects as the following are addressed:

• ·         Recruitment and selection
• ·         Learning and development opportunities
• ·         Appraisals
• ·         Promotion opportunities
• ·         Pay
• ·         Benefits and terms of employment
• ·         Redundancy and dismissal
• ·         Disciplinary and grievance matters