Model equality and diversity policy

Introduction and aims of the policy

Staple Hill & District Allotments Ltd, we are a voluntary organisation that recognises and values people’s differences and will assist them to use their talents to reach their full potential.

The organisation will do all it can to ensure it recruits, trains and promotes people based on qualifications, experience and abilities for all roles within the organisation.  This policy is designed to ensure that Staple Hill & District Allotments Ltd complies with its obligations under equality legislation and demonstrates our commitment to treating people equally and fairly.

Staple Hill & District Allotments Ltd is unreservedly opposed to any form of discrimination on the grounds of Protected Characteristics as defined in the Equalities Act 2010; these are,

1. age
2. disability
3. gender reassignment
4. marriage or civil partnership
5. pregnancy and maternity 
6. race
7. religion or belief
8. sex
9. sexual orientation 

Using fair and objective employment practices, the organisation aims to ensure that

• all members and potential volunteers are treated fairly and with respect at all stages of their membership
• all volunteers/members have the right to be free from harassment and bullying of any description, or any other form of unwanted behaviour.  Such behaviour may come from other members or by people (third parties) who are not members of Staple Hill & District Allotments Ltd, such as customers or clients
• all volunteers/members have an equal chance to contribute and to achieve their potential, irrespective of any defining feature that may give rise to unfair discrimination
• all volunteers/members) have the right to be free from discrimination because they associate with another person who possesses a Protected Characteristic or because others perceive that they have a particular Protected Characteristic, even if they do not.

Scope of the policy

The policy applies to all members of the association

The policy applies to all stages of employment including recruitment and selection, promotion and training.

Responsibilities

It is the responsibility of the Allotment Secretary to develop and lead the implementation of the equality and diversity policy.

Responsibility for approving the policy and monitoring that it is being followed rests with the committee.

Volunteers of Staple Hill & District Allotments Ltd have a duty to act within this policy, ensure it is followed and to draw attention to any suspected discriminatory acts or practices.

Implementation of the policy

All volunteers will be involved in creating an equality environment and one that values diversity.

Communications

Communication of the policy to members and volunteers through email, phone call & committee meetings

Working with partners

In selecting our partners we will consider their commitment to Equality and Diversity by: email, phone call & committee meetings

Users of our service

We will make our services accessible by: priority is given to people with relevant disabilities to easier access and workable plots where possible.

In carrying out the policy, the organisation will carry out the following actions: 

• Use of selection criteria that does not unlawfully discriminate in recruitment and promotion procedures
• Requiring entry to volunteering or progression within it to be based on merit
• Not discriminating in opportunities for recruitment, training, promotion or transfer of volunteers
• Ensuring that every individual is assessed according to his or her personal capability to carry out a given job/role
• Ensure that all volunteers are given equal treatment with regard to terms and conditions of the voluntary role, provided they do the same or broadly similar work, or work of equal value
• Ensure equal opportunities and non-discrimination in the operation of grievance and disciplinary procedures

This policy is reflected in the following policies within the organisation selection of volunteers, implementation of Terms & Conditions.

Reporting discrimination/potential discrimination

Members who feel that they have suffered any form of discrimination should raise the issue through the following means: Phone or email the Allotment Secretary. All complaints will be treated seriously, promptly and confidentiality.  

Volunteers who feel that they have suffered any form of discrimination should raise the issue through the following means: Phone or email the Allotment  Secretary. All complaints will be treated seriously, promptly and confidentiality.

Volunteers/members should also use this approach if they feel that they been the subject of harassment from someone who is not an employee of Staple Hill & District Allotments Ltd will not tolerate any harassment from third parties towards its volunteers/members and will take appropriate action to prevent it happening again.

If a volunteer/member witnesses behaviour that they find offensive in relation to age, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation, even if it is not directed at them they should also use this procedure.

Monitoring and review

This policy will be monitored to judge to what extent it is working and identify areas for improvement.

Monitoring will relate to both volunteers and members and methods used will include: looking at to check that it is still adequate and relevant and to make any necessary adjustments

This policy will be reviewed every two years by Committee to ensure that it remains up to date and reflects the needs and practices of the organisation.

The policy may also be reviewed if legislation changes or if monitoring information suggests that policy or practices should be altered.

Date of adoption of policy date of approval to be added

Date of next review 1st May 2022