Our commitment
This Policy outlines NOAH’s commitment to protecting service users, employees, volunteers and customers from discrimination and to treating everyone who comes through our doors fairly and considerately. It covers our compliance with the Equality Act, 2010.
The purpose of this policy is to provide equality and fairness and to eliminate discrimination on grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, gender and sexual orientation. We oppose all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination.
All employees, whether part-time, full-time or temporary, will be treated fairly and with respect. Selection for employment, promotion, training or any other benefit will be on the basis of aptitude and ability. All employees will be helped and encouraged to develop their full potential and the talents and resources of the workforce will be fully utilised to maximise the efficiency of the organisation.
Every employee is entitled to a working environment that promotes dignity and respect to all. No form of intimidation, bullying or harassment will be tolerated.
This Policy is applicable to the NOAH Enterprise Board, its trustees and any contractors and suppliers that NOAH Enterprise might use.
Breaches of our Equality and Diversity Policy will be regarded as misconduct and could lead to disciplinary proceedings.
Race and ethnicity
NOAH is committed to fairness and equality regardless of colour, race or national origin. We will strive to create a workforce that represents the community in which we operate and to offer our services to as wide a selection of the local community as possible.
Sex, Gender and gender identity
NOAH opposes all discrimination on the grounds of sex, gender or gender identity and is committed to the elimination of sexual discrimination, sexual harassment and pay/reward inequality.
Disability
NOAH recognises that many people with disabilities may face barriers when accessing shops and services or when entering/in employment and is committed to minimising these barriers and eliminating all discrimination and harassment on grounds of disability. Reasonable and practical adjustments will be made to NOAH premises where possible to accommodate the needs of any disabled staff member.
Sexual orientation
NOAH opposes all discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and is committed to maintaining an inclusive service/workplace that does not identify or otherwise single out gay, lesbian or bi-sexual people.
Religion and belief
NOAH opposes all discrimination on the grounds of religion and belief and is committed to showing sensitivity to the religious practices, dress and customs of all our employees, volunteers, customers and service users.
Age
NOAH opposes all discrimination on the grounds of age and is committed to maintaining an inclusive service/workplace that does not identify or otherwise single out people based on their age.
Pregnancy and Maternity
NOAH Enterprise will not discriminate against an employee because they are pregnant or have a pregnancy-related illness. This covers the protected period which finishes when maternity leave ends or when the employee returns to work
Part time workers and volunteers
All employees whether full time, part time or temporary will be treated fairly and with respect, including equal access to training and equality of pay and reward. Our volunteers will be treated fairly and with respect and will be granted access to training that is commensurate with their volunteering roles.
Recruitment and Selection
NOAH is an equal opportunities employer and as such all applicants for jobs will be considered on their abilities and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of age, caring responsibilities, colour, disability, employment status, gender, gender identity, marital status, nationality, race or ethnic origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, socio-economic status or any other irrelevant distinction.
Pay and Reward
NOAH is committed to maintaining a fair and equal pay and reward system that rewards based on merit and does not discriminate based on age, caring responsibilities, colour, disability, employment status, gender, gender identity, marital status, nationality, race or ethnic origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, socio-economic status or any other irrelevant distinction.
Bullying and Harassment
Please see NOAH’s Bullying and Harassment Policy for details of NOAH’s commitment towards preventing Bullying and Harassment.
Justification
Legislation
The Equality Act, 2010, is the key legislation that combats discrimination and promotes equal opportunities and diversity.
Exemptions
There are no exemptions to this Policy. Any breaches will be dealt with through NOAH’s Disciplinary and Grievance Procedure.
