Equality Policy
Eagle & Swinethorpe Parish Council
Equality 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; marital status; nationality; race; religion; 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 and 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
- Equal Pay Act 1970
- Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974
- Sex Discrimmination Act 1975
- Gender Reassignment Regulations 1999
- Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000
- The Protection from Harassment Act 1997
- Mariage (same sex couples) Act 2013
Adopted December 2019
Reviewed 2020,2021 No amendments.
Revised Copy adopted January 2022, reviewed January 2023, 2024 no amendments