Policy overview
People from different backgrounds, cultures and experiences bring value to the workplace and this brings benefits. We work better and improve services if we have a supportive environment. Everyone has visible and non-visible differences and by respecting these differences, colleagues, customers, communities and other stakeholders can feel valued.
This policy covers how we treat everyone when:
- carrying our functions
- whenever we plan policies
- when we provide or commission services
- when we recruit or fulfil our role as an employer
We oppose all forms of unlawful discrimination. We do not tolerate any form of intimidation, bullying or harassment. Read the Harassment and Bullying Policy for more information.
The Council also recognises that services that are regulated will have bespoke responsibilities to their residents, service users and workforce that may fall outside of this policy.
Principles
We are committed with our workforce to:
- providing equality and fairness to all our employees and to those applying to work for us
- recognising and valuing individual differences and input of all team members
- avoiding stereotypical assumptions or bias, conscious or otherwise
- selecting candidates based on their aptitude and ability for:
- employment
- promotion
- training
- any other benefit
- promoting dignity and respect for every employee. We will identify and address issues affecting health, wellbeing and ability to perform well
- developing training programmes to meet employees' needs, learning styles and ability
- offering mandatory training on diversity and inclusion
- encouraging anyone who feels they have been subject to discrimination to raise their concerns so we can apply corrective measures
We will not:
- tolerate intimidation, harassment, or bullying
- tolerate discrimination based on any protected characteristic listed in the Equality Act 2010. The protected characteristics are:
- age
- disability
- gender reassignment
- marriage and civil partnerships
- pregnancy and maternity
- race (which includes colour, nationality and ethnic or national origins)
- religion or belief
- sex
- sexual orientation
