Loughborough United Reformed Church
Equality, diversity and inclusion policy
Loughborough United Reformed Church is committed to encouraging equality, diversity and inclusion, and eliminating unlawful discrimination.
The Church – in providing services and/or facilities – is also committed against unlawful discrimination of our members, users and paid employees and unpaid volunteers
The policy’s purpose is to:
- provide equality, fairness and respect for all in our employment, whether temporary, part-time or full-time
- 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 and 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, requests for flexible working, and training or other developmental opportunities
The Church commits to:
- Encourage equality, diversity and inclusion
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Create an environment free of bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination, promoting dignity and respect for all, and where individual differences and the contributions are recognised and valued.
- Take seriously complaints of bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination by employees, volunteers, users, suppliers and visitors.
Further, sexual harassment may amount to both an employment rights matter and a criminal matter, such as in sexual assault allegations. In addition, harassment under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 – which is not limited to circumstances where harassment relates to a protected characteristic – is a criminal offence.
- Review employment practices and procedures when necessary to ensure fairness, and also update them and the policy to take account of changes in the law.