Introduction
Lockleaze is the fourth most diverse ward in Bristol in terms of racially minoritised residents. This policy aims to outline Lockleaze Neighbourhood Trust’s commitment to ensuring equality of opportunity and equal treatment for staff, workers, Trustees and our community members in terms of employment and access to our services; and to provide guidance on anti-discriminatory practice. Our aims are to create a diverse workforce that promotes positivity and allows equal opportunities for everyone.
Scope
The policy applies to: employees directly employed by Lockleaze Neighbourhood Trust; workers employed via agencies; contractors in terms of employment; Trustees; volunteers; community members in terms of service provision and anyone representing Lockleaze Neighbourhood Trust.
This policy applies specifically to discrimination and equality of opportunity in respect of ‘protected characteristics’ as defined in the Equalities Act 2010, which are:
- Age
- Disability
- Race
- Sex
- Religion or cultural beliefs
- Gender reassignment
- Marital status and civil partnership
- Sexual orientation
- Pregnancy and maternity
Lockleaze Neighbourhood Trust will not be biased or have reservations based on any of these ‘protected characteristics’ and oppose all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination. This policy applies across the range of employment policies and practice, including those relating to Discipline, Grievance, Harassment and Complaints.
Aims
Lockleaze Neighbourhood Trust aims to:
- Promote equality of opportunity
- Celebrate and value diversity
- Eliminate unlawful direct and indirect discrimination
- Create an environment free of discrimination and prejudice
Lockleaze Neighbourhood Trust will provide equality of opportunity and equal treatment as an integral part of good practice. The organisation is committed to a working environment in which the contribution and needs of everyone are fully valued and recognised. We will support our staff, workers, Trustees and contractors in not tolerating any inappropriate, violent or abusive behaviour from colleagues, other organisations or customers.
Employment Practices
Lockleaze Neighbourhood Trust aims to promote equality and diversity as an employer and to ensure that when selecting for employment, promotion, training, or anything of this nature, it will be based on the individual’s own merits. Their aptitude and ability will determine their suitability for the role; it will not be affected by any of the protected characteristics.
Accordingly, all staff, workers, Trustees, contractors and customers are expected to treat each other in a respectful manner. The Chief Executive Officer is responsible for providing advice and guidance on equality and diversity issues, and to ensure the Policy document is kept up to date.
Implementation
Lockleaze Neighbourhood Trust is committed to promotion of equal opportunities in all aspects of our work including management, employment practices with both paid workers and volunteers, access to services and service provision.
The Trustee board shall ensure that it acts in such a way that no individual or group referred to in this policy is discriminated against in particular:
- By making arrangements to accommodate the needs of the Trustee Board and volunteers including travel and care costs.
- By providing information in a way that is accessible, for example, large print, community languages etc.
- By meeting in premises with facilities which are physically accessible to those participating.
- By making training in discrimination awareness and equal opportunities available to all members of the Trustee Board, paid workers and volunteers
The recruitment of paid workers and volunteers shall be undertaken in accordance with this policy, in particular.
- By ensuring that posts are advertised in such a way as to encourage applications from groups experiencing discriminations.
- By preparing job descriptions which clearly set out what the worker is to do, and person specifications which recognise that relevant experience can be as valuable as qualifications or previous paid employment.
- By ensuring that in all selection procedures only factors relevant to the requirements of the post are considered, and that the spirit of the policy statement is adhered to.
- An equal opportunities form will be sent to all prospective applicants for all posts, and kept separate during the interviewing process
The employment of paid workers and volunteers shall be undertaken in accordance with this policy, in particular:
- By providing training relevant to the needs of staff and designed to enable them to carry out their jobs.
- By ensuring that any staff member who, in the course of their work, displays attitudes contrary to this policy to any person whether by word, behaviour or other manner shall be liable to disciplinary action.
- By making adherence to this policy for volunteer group leaders compulsory to qualify for the community reduced hire rate.
- By recognising and responding to the individual needs of staff, especially those who are carers or who have disabilities, and ensuring that, within available resources, the necessary support is provided to enable them to work effectively.
Training
The Chief Executive Officer will ensure that all new employees, volunteers and Trustees will receive induction on the policy. Lockleaze Neighbourhood Trust will provide on-going Equalities training for all staff, volunteers and Trustees on an annual basis and this shall be documented in the training records for each member of staff.
Review
The Trustee Board shall regularly monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of this policy in achieving the stated aims. This process shall be undertaken at least annually, shall include the review of each component of the policy, and shall aim to seek the views of organisations representing the interests of those groups referred to in this policy.
Complaints and Sanctions
Lockleaze Neighbourhood Trust will treat seriously any complaints of unlawful discrimination on any of the stated grounds made by employees, volunteers, Trustees, clients or other third parties and will take action where appropriate.
All complaints made by external parties will be investigated in accordance with Lockleaze Neighbourhood Trust’s Complaints Procedure and the complainant will be informed of the outcome.
In the event of an investigation concerning a complaint against an employee, Lockleaze Neighbourhood Trust’s Grievance Policy and Procedures will be followed and any action necessary dealt with under Lockleaze Neighbourhood Trust’s Disciplinary Procedure.
Complaints will be monitored annually and any outcomes/action recorded.
Lockleaze Neighbourhood Trust
The Hub, Unit 1 Fedden Buildings
Gainsborough Square, Lockleaze, BS7 9FB
Telephone number: 0117 914 1129
Email address: info@lockleazent.co.uk
VERSION CONTROL – Approval and Review
| Version No | Approved By | Approval Date | Main Changes | Review Period |
| 1.0 | Board of Trustees | 11/3/2015 | ||
| 2.0 | Board of Trustees | 5/2/2018 | Reviewed | Annually |
| 3.0 | MB | Sept 2025 | Reviewed | Annually |