Equal opportunities policy
The Chief Executive/Board of Trustees is committed to providing equal opportunities in employment and aims to continue to develop a positive organisational culture which values employees, volunteers and service users, from all sections of the community and the contribution each individual can make to our work.
This policy seeks to support these commitments by providing a framework for continuous improvement. It covers the procedures and systems established to measure and monitor our performance, both in eliminating discrimination and in implementing good practice.
The Passage has both a service-led and a moral obligation to respond to the wide social diversity in society and we aim to reflect this in our own organisational culture.
The Diversity and Equality policy replaces the Equal Opportunity policy by focusing beyond the traditional concept of 'disadvantaged groups'. It recognises the need to value each individual, in their own right, regardless of what section of society they belong to.
We will seek to recruit people from all sections of the community, and ensure that all employees, volunteers and service users are able to participate fully and contribute their best in the work of the Passage and that no one feels excluded from being able to do so.
Preventing Discrimination in Employment
The Passage's commitment to the principles and practice of diversity and equal opportunities both in employment and in community participation will assist in creating a diverse workforce. We will do our best at all times to ensure that all job applicants, employees and volunteers receive fair treatment regardless of :-
- sex, sexual orientation or gender reassignment
- marital status
- race, colour, nationality, national or ethnic origin
- disability or impairment
- religion and belief
- age
- trade union membership/non membership
- or any other unjustifiable criteria
Individuals will be selected, promoted and treated on the basis of their abilities, merits and development potential and according to job requirements. The Passage will endeavour to attract the best candidates for employment regardless of their gender, race, nationality, religion, ethnic origin, marital status, age, colour, disability, social background, sexual orientation or creed. Selection for employment, training, promotion and career management will be based solely on objective and job related criteria and every member of the workforce will be given equal opportunity to show their ability to progress within the Passage.
The Passage will work towards meeting the needs of its employees by monitoring all practices and procedures and will take action to eliminate barriers to discrimination and encourage fair treatment through training, legal and statutory means.
Management Responsibilities
Senior Management are fully committed to providing equality of opportunity to employees. Managers are the guardians of equality of opportunity within their areas of responsibility. Equal opportunities are part of the larger management responsibility of ensuring that the employment environment provides employees with motivation to do a good job. This will be impossible to achieve if individuals feel that they are being treated unfairly.
Where problems or complaints arise managers must take these seriously and make sure they are fully investigated and that any necessary follow-up action is taken. This may include initiating disciplinary action against employees who have committed acts of discrimination or harassment.
Employees' Responsibilities
Employees have a personal responsibility for the practical application of equal opportunities initiatives. The co-operation of all employees will be needed for The Passage to make real progress in this area. In everyday ways we can all contribute to an improved working environment, for example by not making assumptions about people based on their sex or their ethnic background, by challenging those who express prejudice, and by making suggestions to managers about how the working environment can be improved to enhance equal opportunities.
Every employee has a contractual responsibility not to discriminate against anyone at work. It is everyone's responsibility to promote a supportive workplace where discrimination cannot flourish. Discrimination contravenes the Passage's policy and procedures and also breaks the law. Any discriminatory behaviour or victimisation is considered to be a disciplinary offence, which can lead to dismissal.
Finally, remember that equality of opportunity is about good and effective employment practice, and about creating an environment in which everybody can be assured that their contribution is valued.
Monitoring
Finally, remember that equality of opportunity is about good and effective employment practice, and about creating an environment in which everybody can be assured that his or her contribution is valued. The Passage will not tolerate harassment of any kind in the working environment and will take positive action to prevent its occurrence.
Equal Opportunities practice is developing constantly as social attitudes and legislation change. The Passage will monitor the effectiveness of its policies and will implement changes where these could improve equality of opportunity. This commitment applies to all The Passage's employment policies and procedures, not just those specifically connected with equal opportunity.
