Equal Opportunities Statement & Policy.

 “The proactive and informed eradication and prevention of individual and institutional discrimination on the basis of age, gender, gender orientation, race, ethnic origin, colour, nationality, religious belief, culture, belief system, disability, learning difficulty, sexuality, sexual orientation, marital status, economic status, health status, parenting/caring responsibilities, political and/or trade union interest and social background.”

Elphin, Ledmore & Knockan Community Association Ltd (ELKCAL) declares its intention to work to promote equality of opportunity in membership practices, in access to and provision of services, in appointments to the board of directors and in all meetings.

ELKCAL is committed to the eradication of all forms of discrimination and prejudice faced by individuals and organisations and to the proactive development and implementation of policies and practices, which promote equality of opportunity. ELKCAL will keep under review all of its services to ensure that none of them are discriminatory.

ELKCAL recognises the direct, indirect, institutional and individual causes and effects of discrimination. It also recognises the need to address these through both the fulfilment of its legal obligations and the implementation of good practice. This is to ensure that the structures, attitudes and behaviour which cause and perpetuate prejudice, are challenged and dismantled.

ELKCAL also wishes to underpin this policy with the notion of mainstreaming which recognises that all policies which affect people are not likely to be equality neutral and so different needs and responsibilities should be taken account of in its implementation. 

Responsibility 

Everyone has a responsibility to put equal opportunity policies into practice. All members and directors have a responsibility not to behave in a way that could be offensive to others and to treat colleagues and others with courtesy and respect. Equality of opportunity cannot be achieved solely because of the legislation and policy statements that exist. Every member and director has a responsibility to treat their colleagues and the general public with courtesy and respect. 

Harassment 

All employees and directors have a responsibility not to behave in a manner that could be offensive to others. Any form of harassment i.e. on grounds of gender, race, disability, age, sexual orientation etc. and bullying behaviour is unacceptable.

Complaints 

Any complaint that this policy is not followed should be raised formally with the Board of Directors. Every effort will be made to ensure that any member or director making a complaint will not be victimised and any complaint will be dealt with promptly and confidentially.

Agreed:October 2011

Review: October 2012