Equal Opportunities Policy
Dunston Parish Council
Equal Opportunities Policy
INTRODUCTION
Dunston Parish Council is committed to providing the highest quality of provision and service and recognises that the implementation of an effective Equal opportunities Policy is an integral part of such an approach.
However, Dunston is a relatively small parish council, which currently has only three employees. This scope of this policy is, therefore, designed to reflect this.
The Council, as a corporate body, has responsibilities as an employer, a service provider and a public authority, but both members and employees as individuals also have responsibilities as well as rights.
The Council will treat all its employees, partners and customers with dignity and respect, free from discrimination, victimisation and harassment.
LEGAL POSITION
Under the Equality Act 2010 it is unlawful to discriminate against an individual on the following grounds:
- Age
- Disability
- Gender reassignment
- Marriage and civil partnership
- Pregnancy and maternity
- Race
- Religion or belief
- Sex
- Sexual orientation
These are known as “protected characteristics” under the Equality Act 2010.
The Parish Councils Equal Opportunities Policy provides a strong foundation for Equality of Opportunity in the Council and the services it provides
OUR COMMITMENT
Dunston Parish Council understands its obligations under the Equality Act 2010.
Dunston Parish Council is fully committed to equality of opportunity in the provision of services and access to its facilities.
The Council is an Equal Opportunities employer, provider of services and contractor. It is committed to the promotion, maintenance and protection of the rights of individuals. The Council is committed to making full use of the talents and resources of its employees.
The Council will ensure that all recipients of the services delivered directly by the Council are guaranteed the same opportunity.
All policies of the Council will be designed to support the principles and practices of equal opportunity, to foster a fully integrated community and maintain racial harmony.
The Equal Opportunities Policy has the commitment of the Council and the Parish Clerk
THE COUNCIL AS AN EMPLOYER
The Purpose of this policy is to provide equal opportunities to all employees or prospective employees, irrespective of their characteristics (unless there are genuine qualifications or objectively justified reasons for a different approach to be taken) We oppose all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination, victimisation or harassment on the grounds of any protected characteristics defined in the Equality Act 2010.
All employees, whether full-time, part-time, fixed contract, agency workers or temporary, will be treated fairly and equally. Selection for employment, promotion, training, remuneration or any other benefit will be on the basis of aptitude and ability. All employees will be helped and encouraged to develop their full potential and the talents and resources of the workforce will be fully utilised to maximise the efficiency of the council.
Every employee is entitled to a working environment that promotes dignity and respect to all. No form of intimidation, bullying or harassment will be tolerated.
The Council will encourage and develop all employees to support and carry out the requirementsof the Equal Opportunities Policy.
Breaches of our Equal Opportunities Policy will be regarded as misconduct and could lead to disciplinary proceedings.
The commitment to equal opportunities in the workplace is good management practice and makes sound business sense as it seeks to utilise the talents available from the local community, representing Society as a whole.
Councillors have overall responsibility for direction and scrutiny of this policy and will ensure that the principles of fairness and equality guide the decision making process
The Clerk will ensure that the standards established within this policy are followed and advise the Parish Council on changing legislation.
THE COUNCIL AS A DIRECT SERVICE DELIVERER
The Council’s clients have the right to expect fair and non-discriminatory treatment whilst participating in or receiving any of the Council’s services or activities.
All aspects of the Council’s Equal Opportunities Policy impact on the manner in which it directly delivers services to and for its residents.
Adherence to the principles and practices contained within this policy will be monitored on a regular basis.
The above requirements apply to all services and activities of the Council.
This policy was agreed and adopted by all members of Dunston Parish Council in March 2022
(The policy will be reviewed annually)
1. Review March 2023 ........................................………………………………………….
2. Review March 2024 No of employees revised ………………………………………….
3. Review March 2025 ………………………………………………………………………………….