Statement of Equal Opportunities Policy
The aim of this policy is to communicate the commitment of the Board of Directors to the promotion of equality of opportunity in Farset Labs.
It is our policy to provide employment equality to all, irrespective of:
- Gender, including gender reassignment.
- Marital or civil partnership status.
- Having or not having dependants.
- Religious belief or political opinion.
- Race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, being an Irish Traveller).
- Disability.
- Sexual orientation.
- Age.
We are opposed to all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination. All job applicants, employees and others who work for us will be treated fairly and will not be discriminated against on any of the above grounds. Decisions about recruitment and selection, promotion, training or any other benefit will be made objectively and without unlawful discrimination.
We recognise that the provision of equal opportunities in the workplace is not only good management practice, it also makes sound business sense. Our equal opportunities policy will help all those who work for us to develop their full potential and the talents and resources of the workforce will be utilised fully to maximise the efficiency of the organisation.
To whom does the policy apply? (Scope)
This policy applies to all those who are assigned a role within the organisation, such as:
- Directors.
- Organisers of Farset Labs events and activities.
- Members.
Equality commitments
We are committed to:
- Promoting equality of opportunity for all persons.
- Promoting a good and harmonious working environment in which all persons are treated with respect.
- Preventing occurrences of unlawful direct discrimination, indirect discrimination, harassment and victimisation.
- Fulfilling all our legal obligations under the equality legislation and associated codes of practice.
- Complying with our own equal opportunities policy and associated policies.
- Taking lawful affirmative or positive action, where appropriate.
- Regarding all breaches of equal opportunities policy as misconduct which could lead to disciplinary proceedings.
Implementation
The Directors have responsibility for the effective implementation of this policy. Each Member also has responsibilities and we expect all our Members to abide by the policy and help create the equality environment which is its objective.
In order to implement this policy we shall:
- Communicate the policy to Members, potential Members and relevant others (such as contract or agency workers).
- Incorporate specific and appropriate duties in respect of implementing the equal opportunities policy into Member documentation.
- Provide equality training and guidance as appropriate, including training on induction and management courses.
- Ensure that those who are involved in assessing candidates for recruitment or promotion will be trained in non-discriminatory selection techniques.
- Incorporate equal opportunities notices into general communications practices.
- Obtain commitments from other persons or organisations such as subcontractors or agencies that they too will comply with the policy in their dealings with our organisation and our workforce.
- Ensure that adequate resources are made available to fulfil the objectives of the policy.
Monitoring and review
We will establish appropriate information and monitoring systems to assist the effective implementation of our equal opportunities policy.
The effectiveness of our equal opportunities policy will be reviewed regularly – at least every 3 years – and action taken as necessary. For example, where monitoring identifies an under-representation of a particular group or groups, we shall develop an action plan to address the imbalance.
Complaints
Members who believe that they have suffered any form of discrimination, harassment or victimisation are entitled to raise the matter through the agreed procedures, as stated in Member documentation. A copy of these procedures is available from the Directors. All complaints of discrimination will be dealt with seriously, promptly and confidentially.
In addition to our internal procedures, Members have the right to pursue complaints of discrimination to an industrial tribunal or the Fair Employment Tribunal under the following anti-discrimination legislation:
- Sex Discrimination (Northern Ireland) Order 1976, as amended
- Disability Discrimination Act 1995, as amended
- Race Relations (Northern Ireland) Order 1997, as amended
- Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2003
- Fair Employment and Treatment (Northern Ireland) Order 1998, as amended
- Employment Equality (Age) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006
- Equal Pay Act (Northern Ireland) 1970, as amended.
However, Members wishing to make a complaint to a tribunal will normally be required to raise their complaint under our internal grievance procedures first.
Every effort will be made to ensure that Members who make complaints will not be victimised. Any complaint of victimisation will be dealt with seriously, promptly and confidentially. Victimisation will result in disciplinary action and may warrant dismissal.
Further information
The Equality Commission can provide advice and guidance on promoting equality of opportunity in the workplace and further information on a range of equality issues. Their information and advice to employers, service providers and individuals is free and confidential.
They also provide training for employers and service providers.
For further information please contact:
Equality Commission for Northern Ireland
Enquiry Line: 028 90 890 890 (for all information & advice enquiries)
Address: Equality House, 7-9 Shaftesbury Square, Belfast BT2 7DP
Tel: 028 90 500 600 (Reception/Switchboard)
Textphone: 028 90 500 589
Fax: 028 90 248 687
Email: information@equalityni.org