The following is an extract from our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policy. It sets out the aims and commitments of our policy. We ask prospective members to read this before applying to become a member. We expect members to act in line with these values in their role.
1. Our aims and commitments
Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of all St Sidwell’s Centre’s work. This policy applies to all trustees, employees, volunteers and people who use our services. It sets out our intention to actively promote equality through the following commitments:
1.1 Valuing diversity: St Sidwell’s is a community centre open to all and it is essential that we value and respect everyone. Through recognising that people have different identities, needs, beliefs, values and experiences, we can build stronger communities and improve our organisation.
1.2 Improving accessibility: we want our work to be accessible to all, and we will consider this when planning designing our programmes. Some examples of this include: ensuring accessible venues; considering the timing of activities; ensuring cost is not a barrier to participation; making adjustments to meet needs and ensure people can take advantage of services; providing information in different formats or languages. We will seek feedback and listen to the needs of community centre users to continue to improve accessibility.
1.3 Building inclusive communities: alongside the services we provide as an organisation, the nature of the community centre involves layers of mutual and peer support between individuals and groups. While we will not be involved with all these interactions, we will seek to support the development of positive and respectful relationships between groups and individuals and to ensure all groups and communities feel valued and appreciated.
1.4 Seeking to challenge structures of oppression: we recognise that there are systems of oppression built into the structures of our society that systematically disadvantage particular groups, and that often these forms of oppression intersect. These systems include racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, disablism and oppression on the basis of class, income and wealth, religion, and immigration status. We want to challenge these structures where we find them within St Sidwell’s Centre, through continuing to learn as an organisation and sharing learning and training with those involved with the organisation.
1.5 Ensuring we do not unlawfully or otherwise discriminate because of the Equality Act 2010 protected characteristics of age, disability, gender identity and gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race (including colour, nationality, and ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.
1.6 Ensuring we oppose and avoid all forms of unlawful discrimination and other discrimination based on personal characteristics. 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