Equality & Diversity Policy

Carelink is committed to promoting equality and diversity, promoting a culture that actively values difference and recognises that people from different backgrounds and experiences can bring valuable insights to the workplace and enhance our working practices and the services we provide. Carelink aims to be an inclusive organisation, where diversity is valued, respected and built upon. We will not tolerate discrimination.

Carelink is also committed to compliance with equality legislation, the Equality Act 2010, Codes of Practice and relevant best practice guidance. This policy builds on the statutory position to ensure effective policies and practice of promoting equality and diversity.

The Definition of Equality and Diversity

Equality can be described as breaking down barriers, eliminating discrimination and ensuring equal opportunity and access for all groups both in employment, and to goods and services; the basis of which is supported and protected by legislation.

Diversity can be described as celebrating differences and valuing everyone. Each person is an individual with visible and non-visible differences and by respecting this everyone can feel valued for their contributions.

Equality and Diversity are not inter-changeable but inter-dependent. There can be no equality of opportunity if difference is not valued and harnessed and taken account of.

Under the Equality Act 2010, the protected characteristics which the law expects employers to not discriminate against are: age, disability, gender, gender reassignment, marriage & civil partnership, pregnancy & maternity, race, religion & belief, sex and sexual orientation.

In addition, staff and job applicants are treated fairly in an environment which is free from any form of discrimination with regard to: caring responsibilities, part-time employment, membership or non-membership of a trade union or spent convictions.

Principles

We will demonstrate our commitment by:

• Promoting equality of opportunity and diversity within the communities in which we work and with all our partners and workforce.
• Treating our customers, colleagues and partners fairly and with respect.
• Promoting an environment free from discrimination, bullying and harassment, and tackling behaviour which breaches this.
• Recognising and valuing the differences and individual contribution that people make.
• Providing support and encouragement to staff to develop their roles and increase their contributions to the organisation through the enhancement of their skills and abilities

Scope

The Control Centre Manager will ensure that staff and volunteers are made aware of the policy, procedure and have access to training and that operational processes instill equality and diversity within them.

This policy applies to Trustees, Managers, employees and volunteers and customers.

Related Policies

This policy should be read in conjunction with all of our policies and procedures, underpinning the way in which we work.

Further Guidance

The Equality Act 2010 - Gov.uk