Soundart Radio is committed to encouraging equality, diversity and inclusion in all areas of our organisation, and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce and volunteers to be truly representative of all sections of society and our audiences, and for each employee and volunteer to feel respected and able to give their best. We are also committed against unlawful discrimination of customers or the public.
This policy’s purpose is to:
1. Provide equality, fairness and respect for all in our employment, whether temporary, part-time or full-time
2. Not unlawfully discriminate because of the Equality Act 2010 protected characteristics of:
age
disability
gender reassignment
marriage or civil partnership
pregnancy and maternity
race (including colour, nationality, and ethnic or national origin)
religion or belief
sex
sexual orientation
3. Oppose and avoid all forms of unlawful discrimination. This includes in:
content of broadcasts
pay and benefits
terms and conditions of employment
dealing with grievances and discipline
dismissal
redundancy
leave for parents
requests for flexible working
selection for employment, promotion, training or other developmental opportunities
1. Encourage equality, diversity and inclusion in all activities.
2. Create a working environment free of bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination, promoting dignity and respect for all, and where individual differences and the contributions of all staff are recognised and valued.
3, Actively work to raise the voices of people who are often marginalised, and to counter harmful myths and ideologies that promote blame and division.
This commitment includes training all workers and volunteers about their rights and responsibilities under the equality, diversity and inclusion policy, with the expectation that everyone involves can help the organisation provide equal opportunities in employment and volunteering, and prevent bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination.
All staff should understand they, as well as their employer, can be held liable for acts of bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination, in the course of their employment, against fellow employees, customers, suppliers and the public
3. Take seriously complaints of bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination by fellow employees, customers, suppliers, visitors, the public and any others in the course of the organisation’s work activities.
Such acts will be dealt with as misconduct under the organisation’s grievance and/or disciplinary procedures, and appropriate action will be taken. Particularly serious complaints could amount to gross misconduct and lead to dismissal without notice.
Further, sexual harassment may amount to both an employment rights matter and a criminal matter, such as in sexual assault allegations. In addition, harassment under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 – which is not limited to circumstances where harassment relates to a protected characteristic – is a criminal offence.
4. Make opportunities for training, development and progress available to all staff and volunteers, who will be helped and encouraged to develop their full potential, so their talents and resources can be fully utilised to maximise the efficiency of the organisation.
5. Make decisions concerning staff being based on merit (apart from in any necessary and limited exemptions and exceptions allowed under the Equality Act).
6. Review employment practices and procedures when necessary to ensure fairness, and also update them and the policy to take account of changes in the law.
7. Monitor the make-up of the workforce and volunteer team, regarding information such as age, sex, ethnic background, sexual orientation, religion or belief, and disability in encouraging equality, diversity and inclusion, and in meeting the aims and commitments set out in the equality, diversity and inclusion policy.
Monitoring will also include assessing how the equality, diversity and inclusion policy, and any supporting action plan, are working in practice, reviewing them annually, and considering and taking action to address any issues.