Policies and Procedures

Equality Policy

Reviewed March 2024. Next review: March 2026

The Parish Council and Clerk / Responsible Financial Officer are all volunteers so as it stands there are no current employees.

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 is an integral part of what we do, not an afterthought.

How will we do this?

People (councillors & volunteers)

  • 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.

Volunteers

  • 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.
  • Volunteers are respected and supported.

Training

  • Volunteers are encouraged to attend training relevant to their work which includes training as Parish Council agenda items.
  • We encourage 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 volunteer recruitment issues as necessary under the DDA.

Monitoring and Reviewing

  • The make-up of volunteers and participants endeavours to be inclusive of the whole community wherever possible.

The Law

The policy will be implemented within the framework of the relevant legislation, as updated, which includes:

  • Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974
  • Sex Discrimination Act 1975
  • Gender Reassignment Regulations 1999
  • Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000
  • Disability Discrimination Act 1995
  • The Protection from Harassment Act 1997
  • Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013.