EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES POLICY – November 2019
INTRODUCTION
The Equality Act 2010 took effect on 1st October 2010 and replaces the previous anti-discrimination legislation. It simplifies the law removing inconsistencies and making it easier for people to understand and comply with it. It also strengthens the law in order to help tackle discrimination and inequality.
All public bodies and organisations carrying out public functions have a duty to consider the needs of all individuals in their day-to-day work – in shaping policy, in delivering services and in relation to their own employees. The Public Sector Equality Duty ensures that all public bodies play their part in making society fairer by tackling discrimination and providing equality of opportunity for all.
The purpose of this policy is to provide equal opportunities for everyone who come into contact with Upper Rissington Parish Council, irrespective of their characteristics (unless it can be shown that the treatment is a proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim).
LEGAL POSITION
To discriminate against someone means to treat them less favourably, to harass or victimise them or to subject them to a provision, criterion or practice which puts them at a disadvantage. It is unlawful to discriminate against an individual on the grounds of the following ‘protected characteristics’ (as defined in the Act):
- Age
- Disability
- Gender reassignment
- Pregnancy and maternity
- Race
- Religion or belief
- Sex
- Sexual orientation
- Marriage and civil partnership
COUNCIL’S COMMITMENT
This policy is fully supported by all Members of the Council.
Upper Rissington Parish Council opposes all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination whether it be direct or indirect discrimination, victimisation or harassment on the grounds of any of the protected characteristics defined in the Equality Act 2010.
We are committed to the promotion and delivery of equal opportunities in the workplace and in the delivery of services. In all our activities we will have due regard to the 3 aims of the Equality Duty:
- Eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment, victimisation and any other conduct prohibited by the Act
- Advance equality of opportunity between people who share a protected characteristic and people who do not share it
- Foster good relations between people who share a protected characteristic and people who do not share it
EMPLOYEES AND COUCILLORS
All employees and Councillors 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 and Councillors 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 and Councillor is entitled to a working environment that promotes dignity and respect to all. No form of intimidation, bullying or harassment will be tolerated. 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.
Breaches of the Council’s Equal Opportunities Policy will be regarded as serious misconduct and could lead to disciplinary proceedings. Employees are entitled to complain about discrimination or harassment or victimisation through the council’s Grievance Procedure.
SERVICE DELIVERY
In exercising its functions and delivering services, the Parish Council will have due regard to the three aims of the Equality Duty and it will take a proportionate approach when complying with it. Equality issues will be an influence on our policies and decisions and we will consider the needs of all individuals in our day to day work.
This Equal Opportunities Policy was reviewed by at a meeting held on 13th November 2019. Next review due November 2020.
