Equal Opportunities Policy

EQUAL  OPPORTUNITIES  &  DIVERSITY  POLICY       

Updated in July 2023

It is the policy of IGNITE to foster good relationships with people from all groups in the community.  We believe that everyone should be treated fairly, without discrimination and prejudice, and have equal access to our activities.

This means that no-one will be treated less favourably than another because of race, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, language, HIV status, religion, national or social origin, appearance, marital status or class.

We believe that everyone has a unique set of life experiences, skills and knowledge.  We value the diversity that exists in everyone with whom we have contact.  We seek to make the most of this diversity by aiming to develop individual potential to help us achieve our aims.

As an employer, IGNITE has a duty to comply with the provisions of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, the Children Act, the Sex Discrimination Acts, Race Relations Acts, Single Equalities Act and Human Rights Legislation.  It is our policy to ensure that our recruitment, selection, employment and management practices comply with both the letter and the spirit of these and any other relevant legislation.  This applies to both paid and voluntary workers.

PRACTICE  GUIDELINES

All paid workers & volunteers of IGNITE must be made aware of this policy and understand the wish to create an environment offering equality of opportunity to all users.  Responsibility for implementing the policy lies with the Trustees.

This policy is reviewed regularly, and we welcome comment about it, particularly from individuals or groups who feel they may have been unfairly discriminated against.

We will aim to deal swiftly and appropriately with discrimination, harassment and bullying within IGNITE.

ACCESS

IGNITE will be welcoming and provide physically accessible activities to all users.

Printed materials produced for IGNITE will use inclusive language and reflect the diversity of our community.

Information about the IGNITE will be distributed to as many groups within the community as possible, via a range of means.

GENERAL  MANAGEMENT

All IGNITE policies will reflect the values of, and be compatible with, our Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy.

Discriminatory and/or prejudicial attitudes, comments, behaviour or offensive jokes etc. will be challenged and we will seek to raise awareness of issues of discrimination.

EMPLOYMENT

IGNITE Trustees involved in recruitment will be made aware of our Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy and of our legal obligations.

All posts (voluntary and paid) will be open to all, regardless of gender, race and ability.  Age will not be used as criteria in selection.  Applications will be encouraged from within all groups of our community.

Appropriate steps will be taken to ensure that the working environment is comfortable for everyone and free from discriminatory practice.  Any harassment (verbal or physical) will be challenged.

Workers will be encouraged to value each other and respect the range of contributions made by each individual. 

All paid and voluntary workers will be made aware of our Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy.