Equality and Diversity Policy
The Safety and Reliability Society is committed to equality and diversity among our workforce, committees and membership and eliminating unlawful discrimination.
The aim is for our workforce and organisation to be truly representative of all sections of society and our stakeholders, and for each employee and member to feel respected and able to give their best.
The organisation – in providing services and/or facilities – is also committed to preventing discrimination against the general public who come into contact with the Safety and Reliability Society.
All staff, members and officers should understand they, as well as their employer/organisation, can be held liable for acts of bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination, in the course of their duties, against fellow employees or members, customers, suppliers and the public taking appropriate actions as a result of complaints of bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination by fellow employees, members, customers, suppliers, visitors, the public and any others in the course of the organisation’s work activities
Such acts will be dealt with as misconduct under the organisation’s grievance and/or disciplinary procedures, and any appropriate action will be taken. Particularly serious complaints could amount to gross misconduct and lead to dismissal without notice
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
The policy’s purpose is to:
- provide equality, fairness and respect for all in our employment, whether temporary, part-time or full-time
- provide equality, fairness and respect for all our members in membership matters and at meetings organised by The Safety and Reliability Society
- not unlawfully discriminate against characteristics (as described in the Equality Act 2010) of age, disability, gender identity, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy, maternity or paternity, race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex or gender or 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, redundancy, leave for parents, requests for flexible working, and selection for employment, promotion, training or other developmental opportunities, or admission to membership
The organisation commits to:
- encourage equality and diversity in the workplace and organisation as they are good practice and make business sense
- a membership environment free of bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination, promoting dignity and respect for all, and where individual differences and the contributions of all members are recognised and valued
- a working environment free of bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination, promoting dignity and respect for all, and where individual differences and the contributions of all staff are recognised and valued
- This commitment includes training all employees about their rights and responsibilities under the equality policy. Responsibilities include staff, members and officers of the Society conducting themselves to help the organisation provide equal opportunities in employment, and prevent bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination
- make opportunities for training, development and progress available to all staff, who will be helped and encouraged to develop their full potential, so their talents and resources can be fully utilised to maximise the efficiency of the organisation
- decisions concerning staff being based on merit (apart from in any necessary and limited exemptions and exceptions allowed under the Equality Act)
- 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
- review membership practices and procedures when necessary to ensure fairness, and also update them and the policy to take account of changes in the law
The equality policy is fully supported by the Safety and Reliability Society Council and has been agreed with employee representatives
Details of the organisation’s grievance and disciplinary policies and procedures for members can be found in the Society Code of Conduct and Disciplinary Procedures for members.
Details of the organisation’s grievance and disciplinary policies and procedures for employees can be found in the human resources files. This includes with whom an employee should raise a grievance – usually the Chair or the President of the Society.
Use of the organisation’s grievance and/or disciplinary procedures does not affect an employee’s right to make a claim to an employment tribunal within three months of the alleged discrimination.
Version 3 February 2018