1. SCOPE

This policy and procedure applies to all employees and workers within the organisation.

2. RESPONSIBILITY

The staff in the following roles are responsible for implementing this policy:

1. Janet Kirkwood has overall responsibility for the equality, diversity and inclusion policy

Janet Kirkwood & Marie Doran have responsibility for the development and implementation of policy and procedure

1. Marie Doran is responsible for training the policy throughout the organisation and communicating internally and externally
2. Workers and employees are responsible for their own behaviour and must treat others with dignity and respect
3. DEFINITION

A diverse and inclusive workplace is one that makes everyone, regardless of who they are or what they do for the business, feel involved, supported and able to access opportunities fairly, recognising that different individuals may face different barriers.

4. POLICY STATEMENT

At Workmates we are committed to encouraging equality, diversity and inclusion among our workforce, and eliminating unlawful discrimination.

This policy’s purpose is to:

• Not unlawfully discriminate because of the Equality Act 2010 protected characteristics of:

• Age
• Disability
• Gender reassignment
• Marriage and civil partnership
• Pregnancy and maternity
• Race (including colour, nationality, and ethnic or national origin)
• Religion or belief
• Sex
• Sexual orientation
• Oppose and avoid all forms of unlawful discrimination. This includes in:

• Pay and benefits
• Terms and conditions of employment
• Dealing with grievances and discipline
• Dismissal
• Redundancy
• Leave for parents
• Requests for flexible working
• Selection for employment, promotion, training or other developmental opportunities

5. POLICY COMMITMENTS
   1. We will encourage equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
   2. We will create a working environment free of bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination, promoting dignity and respect for all, and where individual differences and the contributions of all workers are recognised and valued.
   3. We will train our managers and all other workers about their rights and responsibilities under this Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Policy.
   4. We will take seriously complaints of bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination by colleagues, customers, suppliers, visitors, the public and any others during the organisation’s work activities.
   5. We will make opportunities for training, development, and progress available to all staff, who will be helped and encouraged to develop their full potential, so their talents and resources can be fully utilised to maximise the efficiency of the organisation.
   6. Decisions concerning staff will be based on merit, taking account of reasonable adjustments and any lawful measures needed to ensure fair and equitable access to opportunity.
   7. We will review employment practices and procedures when necessary to ensure fairness and also update them and this policy to take account of changes in the law.
   8. We will take proportionate and lawful steps to remove barriers that may disadvantage certain groups or individuals, including making reasonable adjustments and, where permitted by law, applying positive action to support fair access to work, development and progression.
6. REPORTING ISSUES
   1. If a worker feels they have been subject to bullying, harassment, victimisation or unlawful discrimination, they should report this immediately to their line manager.
   2. If a worker does not feel able to report to their line manager, they should report to H.R.
   3. If a worker wants to raise a concern anonymously, they should contact Workmates Manager.

This policy will be reviewed annually and at any other time it is considered necessary due to changes in business or legislation.