Equal opportunities policy template

Introduction
[This group/organisation] seeks to be a catalyst for positive social change. It works through project development and support to meet individual and community need across [your area/region].
[This group/organisation] is committed to Equal Opportunities and sees this as part of empowerment in the organisation and in local communities.

General Statement of Intent
[This group/organisation] recognises that the strength of the organisation is built on the understanding of individual strengths and differences and seeks to respect these.
[This group/organisation] recognises that certain groups and individuals in society are disadvantaged because of discrimination experienced; for example as a result of gender, sex, race, colour, sexual orientation, nationality, religion, ethnic or national origin, language, age, marital status, child care arrangements, carer status, disability, HIV status, physical or mental health, offender background, appearance, class or economic status, trade union membership or political affiliation.
There may be other areas where people experience discrimination and [this group/organisation] will work towards an anti-discriminatory environment within the organisation, based on an open discussion of staff, volunteers and users' perceptions of discrimination.
[This group/organisation] further recognises that discrimination can be direct or indirect and takes place at both institutional and personal levels. [This group/organisation] recognises and believes that
such discrimination is unacceptable and is committed to ensuring that its policies and practices provide equal treatment for all in terms of employment of staff, work with volunteers and in all aspects of its service delivery to projects' users.
[This group/organisation] recognises that staff, volunteers and service users can experience discrimination for more than one reason, e.g. female with a disability, and in its work to achieve equality will take this into consideration at all times.

Policy
[This group/organisation] is committed to both the elimination of unfair discrimination and the promotion of equal opportunities. [This group/organisation's] codes of practice in employment and service delivery are designed to counteract and prevent discrimination.
[This group/organisation] is also committed to monitoring the implementation and effects of this policy and reviewing and updating it at regular intervals. Existing procedures and criteria may be changed in response to changing circumstances and changing needs. [This group/organisation] is committed to publicising this policy and to providing necessary training and guidance to staff and volunteers. [This group/organisation] supports its belief in equal opportunities by linking this policy to existing complaints, disciplinary and grievance procedures.
[This group/organisation's] Equal Opportunities policy is part of a package of inter-related policies produced by the organisation. It is supported by a detailed Code of Practice for recruitment and employment of staff and a commitment to training opportunities.
This equal opportunities policy is written to conform with the statutory requirements laid down by legislation as well as the guidance and advice offered by the Commission for Racial Equality and the Equal Opportunities Commission. Strategy
[This group/organisation] seeks to challenge stereotyping and provide equality of opportunity through its:

1. Staff Recruitment, Employment and Support through:
Accessibility of advertisements
Open access to all posts (except where it is necessary to specify a particular group where legislation permits, e.g. an all-female staff team in a safe house for young women)
Open access to training
Extra help/support to those with varying needs

2. Volunteer Recruitment and Support:
Advertising widely
Wide range of volunteering tasks and levels
of commitment required
No discrimination on access to training
Extra help/support to those with varying
needs
3. [This group/organisation's] overall
Image/Communications through:
Literature and photographs reflecting
equality of opportunity (e.g. Annual Report,
leaflets, etc.)
Presenting positive images
Reflection in language used in
correspondence, telephone calls, reports,
etc.
4. Service Provision:
Within the target client group, no
discrimination due to irrelevant factors
Seeking to provide services to the
community according to need
Supporting clients with varying needs,
whatever the service, whenever possible
Open access to services - in principle, within
the remit of the service
User involvement
Projects to have detailed individual equal
opportunities statements tailored to their
services
5. Provision of training:
To all staff and volunteers to enable them to
comply with and support the policies