Psychotherapy, Counselling & Community Support Services in Cornwall
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Equality and Anti-discrimination Policy
What is discrimination?
Discrimination is when a person or group is treated less favourably than others, this may be because of their colour, nationality, ethnic origin, religion, culture, gender, status (parental, marital or property), disability, age, sexuality or health.
Discrimination can be direct (deliberate) or indirect (an act or failure to act has a negative impact on a person or group, whether intended or not). We also include victimisation and harassment as being discriminatory behaviour.
What we think …
We think that everybody is fundamentally ‘okay’ and has a right to have their beliefs, wishes and feelings respected, regardless of their past or current details/circumstances (including the list above).
What we will do …
All employees/volunteers will be treated equally without discrimination.
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All clients will be treated equally without discrimination.
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We will ensure that all employees/volunteers of Ongoing Support will be aware of what discrimination is, and its implication by law. This will be done through ongoing training and supervision.
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We will ensure that all employees/volunteers will have read this policy, and will behave in a way that is anti-discriminatory.
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We will keep updated on anti-discrimination law in this country, and amend this policy as necessary.
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We will act immediately on any discriminatory behaviour within Ongoing Support, following our disciplinary procedures.
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We will ensure staff/volunteers have regular supervision.
For your information …
Prejudice literally means 'pre-judging' someone - knowing next to nothing about them but jumping to conclusions because of some characteristic, like their appearance.
Racism is the belief that some 'races' are superior to others - based on the false idea that different physical characteristics (like skin colour) or ethnic background make some people better than others.
The word victimisation can mean all kinds of unfair treatment. However, in the Equal Opportunity Act, victimisation refers only to unfair treatment connected to a complaint of discrimination or harassment.
