Policy statement
TDI recognises all individuals have a set of rights and an inherent dignity which arises from our shared humanity. Everyone has a moral duty to respect these rights, alongside legal duties under the Equalities Act (2010).
Principles underlying this policy
TDI’s work brings it into contact with people from diverse backgrounds and with diverse abilities. This contact is both in its role as an employer, as trustees, directors, employees, volunteers and contractors; and as a service provider, as service users and members of the public.
Diversity encompasses differences in how TDI’s work can be engaged with. TDI has a responsibility to adjust its work so that, wherever possible, everyone can access it.
Aims, objectives and scope of this policy
TDI will not discriminate against individuals in employment or in the provision of services on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation.
Where aspects of TDI’s practice makes employment or services harder for individuals to access because of their personal characteristics, TDI will make reasonable adjustments to ensure that access is possible.
TDI will work with individuals in determining what adjustments are necessary and appropriate.
TDI will avoid terms, language or practice which demean, denigrate or create a hostile atmosphere for individuals on the basis of their personal characteristics.
TDI will act on complaints that equality and diversity have not been respected.
This policy applies to all trustees, directors, employees, volunteers and contractors of TDI.
Rules and procedures
Everyone working for TDI as trustees, directors, employees, volunteers and contractors will be required to accept the values outlined in the Policy Statement and Principles section of this policy. This acceptance will be integrated into any recruitment process.
Employment and promotion decisions within TDI will be based exclusively on merit.
Everyone working for TDI will be offered training on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.
Both public-facing and internal material produced by TDI will be created with Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in mind. This includes the avoidance of attitudes, language and stereotypical presentations which serve to denigrate, diminish or create a hostile atmosphere for individuals one the basis of their personal characteristics. It also includes making reasonable adjustments to make materials accessible, for instance through making it available in a variety of formats.
Complaints of breaches of the Policy Statement or Principles sections of this policy will be escalated, in the first instance to the Chief Executive or, should the complaint concern the Chief Executive, to the board of Trustees. Complaints will be investigated and resolved within a reasonable period of time.
Misconduct by those working for TDI under this policy will be handled under TDI’s grievance and/or disciplinary procedures. Serious breaches may constitute gross misconduct and will be dealt with accordingly.
Date of revision of this policy
December 2021. This policy is in effect, and should be reviewed within 3 years.