York Time Bank Equal Opportunities Policy
York Time Bank is committed to bringing people in communities together, and
recognises that people with different backgrounds, skills, experiences and points
of view bring fresh and valuable ideas and perceptions. This policy seeks to help
us ensure that we respect and use these differences, and to make our services
relevant and accessible to everyone. We aim to draw upon the widest possible
range of views and experiences to help ensure that all participants can feel like
they belong to their community and that their perspectives and personalities are
appreciated.
York Time Bank is committed to equality of opportunity and values all individuals
regardless of their collective identity or identities. However, we recognise that
individual and institutional discriminatory practice has meant that some groups
have historically not had equal access to services and fair employment practices,
nor to opportunities in volunteering. York Time Bank is committed to providing
an environment free of stereotypes and of oppressive beliefs, attitudes and
practices. We seek to promote diversity and to respond to the needs of all
individuals in a fair and equitable manner. We work to reduce unfair
discrimination in society and seek to eliminate such practices within our group.
As part of its policy the Time Bank will ensure that:
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participants receive sufficient information and training to enable them to
translate this policy into organisational culture and action
participants are aware of their responsibilities with respect to equal
opportunities and diversity
this policy is communicated and monitored
a commitment to the objectives of this policy is reflected at all levels
throughout the organisation
York Time Bank believes that all people have a right to involvement free from
direct and indirect discrimination on grounds of race, colour, caste, ethnic or
national origin, religion, political affiliation, social class, employment or financial
status, sex, disability (sensory impairment and learning disability), marital status,
HIV/AIDS status, language (including the language of deaf people), gender
identity, sexual orientation, age or non-relevant criminal conviction, and is
committed to ensure that all participants are empowered to give and receive help
without reference to any of these identities.
Participants will not be questioned about, or screened for, membership in any of
these identity groups. Participants will not make assumptions about people
based on their identities. Placements must not be influenced by the perceived
prejudices of other participants.
Age limits must not be applied in an artificial or arbitrary way, and will only be
applied where reasonably justified, although nothing in this policy can override
any statutory provisions (e.g. minimum ages for certain activities).
The Time Bank will make a special effort to place and assist disabled participants
in giving help when they desire to do so.
York Time Bank will aim to ensure that its membership, goods and services are
accessible to all and reflect the needs of the people who need them, with
particular reference to the needs of under-represented groups.
York Time Bank will aim to make its buildings and meeting venues accessible to
people with disabilities (including sensory impairment and learning difficulties).
York Time Bank will make every effort to take account of the needs of people and
groups on low income using our services.
York Time Bank aims to ensure that all people receive a positive and sustained
welcome from their first point of contact with the organisation and staff will
monitor consumer feedback to develop a better service in relation to diversity.
In order to promote equality of access to our services, York Time Bank will
ensure that they are well publicised in the communities where we operate.
Information about the Time Bank will be as inclusive as possible, and ensure that
it does not, either intentionally or inadvertently, imply that the Time Bank does
not include certain kinds of people. Publicity will include statements about our
commitment to diversity and equal opportunities. York Time Bank will strive to
provide information and resource materials which are free from jargon, as well
as from racist, ageist, disabling, homophobic, sexist images, language or
attitudes and any other discriminatory practices. York Time Bank aims to
communicate in a way that includes all linguistic and cultural groups in our
community by providing interpreters and signers wherever possible. Any York
Time Bank written information will be provided in a variety of formats (e.g. audio
tape or large print) on request.
Harassment in any form is entirely unacceptable and each member of staff
carries responsibility for their own behaviour under the policy. Harassment can
take many forms and may be directed in particular against minority groups or
individuals (e.g. because of a person's physical appearance or other
characteristic). It may involve action, behaviour, comment or physical contact,
which is found objectionable or which causes offence, it may result in the
recipient feeling threatened, humiliated or patronised and it can create an
intimidating work environment for a participant.
Any concerns or complaints about diversity and inclusion, or any report of
bullying or harassment, should be raised with the Time Bank Broker, and will be
taken seriously by the Time Bank. York Time Bank will provide support for any
participant who alleges harassment and a proper investigation of complaints will
take place. Fair procedures will be followed and instigated promptly to minimise
potential stress both for the alleged harasser and the complainant. Participants
will not be victimised or retaliated against in any way for complaining about
discrimination or harassment and for giving evidence about such a complaint.
York Time Bank acknowledges its obligations under the Race Relations Act
(1976), Sex Discrimination Act (1975-85), Equal Pay Act (1970), Disability
Discrimination Act (1995), Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974) and all other
relevant or future legislation.
The Time Bank adopted this policy in October 2013, and will review this policy
every September.