Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Policy Summary

Equal Opportunities Statement

Groundwork is committed to promoting equal opportunities in employment. All employees, job applicants, and stakeholders will be treated equally, regardless of Protected Characteristics such as age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, nationality, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

Policy Scope

This policy outlines Groundwork’s approach to equality, diversity, and the avoidance of discrimination. It applies to all areas of employment, including recruitment, pay, training, promotions, conduct, disciplinary actions, and termination. The policy is non-contractual and may be updated as necessary to reflect evolving needs and legislation.

Responsibilities

The responsibility for promoting equality and diversity is shared across the organization:

• Leadership: The Executive Management Team and Trustees are accountable for ensuring equal opportunity practices are upheld.
• All Employees: Every employee, volunteer, and external partner is required to:
  • Treat others with fairness, dignity, and respect.
  • Challenge and report any form of discrimination.
  • Follow company policies and comply with equality laws.
  • Attend mandatory training sessions as required.

Prohibited Discrimination

Groundwork strictly prohibits the following forms of discrimination:

• Direct Discrimination: Treating someone less favorably because of a Protected Characteristic.
• Indirect Discrimination: Implementing practices or policies that disproportionately disadvantage certain groups without valid justification.
• Harassment: Unwanted behavior, including sexual harassment, that undermines dignity or creates an intimidating or hostile environment.
• Victimisation: Retaliating against individuals who report or support complaints of discrimination.
• Disability Discrimination: Failing to provide reasonable adjustments for disabilities or subjecting individuals to unjustified unfavorable treatment.

Recruitment and Selection

Groundwork ensures recruitment and promotions are conducted fairly, based on merit and objective criteria. To foster inclusivity:

• Job advertisements must be free from discouraging language and encourage diverse applicants.
• Questions about Protected Characteristics, health, or disabilities will only be asked when legally required or justified.
• Health or disability information may be collected for monitoring purposes but will not influence hiring or promotion decisions.

Support for Disabilities

Groundwork encourages employees with disabilities to disclose their conditions to enable appropriate support and reasonable adjustments that facilitate their work.

Fair Treatment for Part-Time and Fixed-Term Employees

Part-time and fixed-term employees are entitled to equitable treatment, with terms comparable to those of full-time or permanent staff unless differences are objectively justified.

Policy Breaches

Groundwork takes breaches of this policy seriously and has established procedures for addressing them:

• Deliberate acts of discrimination may result in disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal.
• Complaints of discrimination will be treated confidentially and investigated thoroughly.
• Retaliation against individuals raising concerns is prohibited. However, complaints found to be false and made in bad faith may be treated as misconduct.

This policy underscores Groundwork’s dedication to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and supportive workplace environment for all.