Equality and diversity

We ensure that:

• All those who use our services are at the heart of everything we do and are treated fairly with dignity and respect as stated in the service user policy
• Discriminatory behaviour is always challenged irrespective of who it is from, or who it is directed towards
• Everyone is treated fairly and with dignity and respect
• We focus our efforts on people, not on their condition
• The practical support and services we provide are of the highest quality, delivered in a timely way and are always responsive to diverse needs and change whilst providing value for money
• We aim to advance public understanding and promote social and community inclusion as a right for all individuals who use our services
• We believe that equality and diversity is not a separate activity, it is a comprehensive approach to valuing differences and is integral to the culture and ethos of our organisation. As such it is embedded within our day to day practice and delivery of services

We strive to ensure we have a truly diverse workforce that is reflective of all aspects of society. We recruit people from within the communities where we provide services, to ensure our staff reflect local demographics.

We have created an environment where each employee is respected, valued and able to give their best.

Equality, diversity and human rights are at the core of our organisation and our services. This is in line with the Equality Act 2010 and The Public Sector Equality Duty.

The purpose is to:

• Provide equality, fairness and respect for all staff, service users, trustees, volunteers and those who we work in partnership with
• Challenge discrimination under 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, gender, sexual orientation or any other grounds. In addition to these we include carers
• 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, and selection for employment, promotion, training or other developmental opportunities

We commit to:

• Ensuring equality, diversity and human rights are at the centre of our policies and practices
• Encourage equality and diversity in the workplace as they are good practice and make business sense
• Create an environment free of bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination through direct, indirect or by association, intended or perceived
• Promoting dignity and respect for all, and where individual differences and the contributions of all are recognised and valued

Human Rights

The Human Rights Act 1998 (HRA) came into force in 2000. Everyone in the UK is protected under the Act. We respect the basic human rights of all citizens. As a public body we must at all times act in a manner compatible with rights protected in this Act, and safeguard these for individuals who use our services and staff in our employment.

Human Rights are underpinned by a set of common values and have been adopted by the NHS under the acronym FREDA.

The FREDA principles represent:

• Fairness (e.g. fair and transparent grievance and complaints procedures)
• Respect (e.g. respect for same sex couples, teenage parents and homelessness)
• Equality (e.g. not being denied treatment due to age, sex, race etc.)
• Dignity (e.g. sufficient staff to change soiled sheets, help patient to eat/drink)
• Autonomy (e.g. involving people in decisions about their treatment and care)