EQUALITY DIVERSITY INCLUSION
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Equality, diversity, and inclusion requires a strong commitment and concerted action to build an inclusive environment where opportunities are open to all, diversity is valued, and where everybody can reach their full potential without fear of harassment, prejudice or discrimination. Every person in our community has a responsibility for making the Haven an inclusive environment where all members of our community feel welcome and are able to be themselves.
A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to our core values, ensuring our success as a community with a positive and supportive culture, where everyone feels empowered and respected.
The equality duty covers the characteristics protected by law: age, disability, gender or gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation,
We also include characteristics not protected in law such as childlessness (not by choice as opposed to choosing to be child free) having or not having dependents (including being a carer for an adult) marital status (civil partnership, common law or single status) economic status and education. We encourage all community members to recognise our own privilege in how we interact with others.
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Society consists of many diverse groups and individuals and we affirm that each individual is a unique expression of humanity and of equal value. It is our responsibility to create an inclusive environment and respect the dignity and diversity of all people.
We also recognise that certain groups and individuals are discriminated against and that we have a moral and legal responsibility to promote equal opportunities in all aspects of Haven community life.
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Our work to embed equality, diversity and inclusion is anchored in the duties as applied to the protected characteristics set out in the Equality Act 2010 that require us to have due regard to:
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Eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation and other conduct prohibited by the Act.
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Advance equality of opportunity between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not.
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Foster good relations between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not
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It is the general expectation that all members of the Haven community will behave in an acceptable manner, treating others with courtesy, respect and consideration when interacting with members of the community. Unacceptable behaviour including bullying, harassment and victimisation or discrimination (including but not limited to the protected characteristics covered by the Equality Act 2010 ) will not be tolerated and any allegations will be taken seriously and dealt with appropriately under the relevant policies and procedures.
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Our Board of Trustees has ultimate accountability for compliance with the Equality Act and for ensuring that we are able to demonstrate compliance by:
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Removing or minimising disadvantages suffered by people due to their protected characteristics
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Taking steps to meet the needs of people from protected groups where these are different from the needs of other people
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Encouraging people from protected groups to participate in community life or in other activities where their participation is disproportionately low
Removing any existing and potential barriers to inclusion is critical to creating an inclusive environment where people feel welcomed, valued, and supported
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The following forms of discrimination are prohibited under this policy and are unlawful:
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Direct discrimination: treating someone less favourably because of a protected characteristics
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Indirect discrimination: a provision, criterion or practice that applies to everyone but adversely affects people with a particular protected characteristic more than others and is not justified.
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Harassment: this includes sexual harassment and other unwanted conduct related to a protected characteristic, which has the purpose or effect of violating someone's dignity or creating an intimidating hostile degrading humiliating or offensive environment for them.
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Victimisation: retaliation against someone who has complained or has supported someone else's complaint about discrimination or harassment.
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Disability discrimination: This includes direct and indirect discrimination, any unjustified less favourable treatment because of the effects of a disability and failure to make reasonable adjustments to alleviate disadvantages caused by a disability.
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It is the Havens policy to provide an inclusive environment to all :
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In which individual differences and contributions are recognised and celebrated
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That provides dignity and respect
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That does not tolerate any form of bullying, intimidation or harassment
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That fosters and advances a culture of inclusion
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Any breaches of the equality policy will be regarded as misconduct and could activate the complaints or safeguarding procedures which may lead to disciplinary action being taken against Haven members.
If you believe you have been discriminated against or treated unfairly in contravention of this statement please contact haven.land.community@gmail.com or submit a grievance in line with our complaints policy.