Hayton Parish Council
EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY POLICY
Hayton Parish Council values the diversity of the people and communities of the parish. We
recognise that people can face disadvantage and discrimination both in the provision of
services and in employment. We are committed to the development and implementation of
policies to counteract inequality.
We will work toward ensuring that people are not discriminated against on the grounds of
disability, gender, race, colour, ethnic origin, religion, belief, culture, nationality, national
origin, age, sexual orientation within existing legislation.
This Policy has been developed in order to recognise and value the diversity that exists and
is evolving within communities. It is based on principles of mutual respect, fairness, social
inclusion and a commitment to tackle inequality and injustice.
We acknowledge our responsibility to challenge all forms of discrimination wherever they
exist. We are committed to tackling the injustice that is the result of discrimination and this
commitment extends to our functions as a fair employer, a provider of services and
community partner.
Members and the Clerk need to make sure that the commitments within this policy are
translated into action. Breaches of this policy will be treated seriously and may lead to
disciplinary action, in accordance with agreed procedures.
This Policy is the first produced by Hayton Parish Council and shows how we will meet our
duties under the Race Relations Act 1976 and the Race Relations (Amendment Act) 2000,
The Disability Discrimination Acts 1995 and 2005, the Sex Discrimination Act, the Equal Pay
Act and all the statutory regulations relating to equality and diversity.
This policy is not produced in isolation but is part of and complements the Council’s other
policies and procedures.
Everyone should be treated fairly whoever they are or wherever they live. The Council aims
to promote fairness in all areas of our work, together with partner organisations and
communities. The Council is an Equal Opportunities Employer (see Equal Opportunities
Policy)
Managing diversity is about providing appropriate services according to need, for all of our
communities.
People who use our services are entitled to receive these free from discrimination and
harassment. Information about our formal complaints procedure may be obtained from the
Council’s website – www.haytonparishcoucil.org.uk
The Clerk is entitled to fair treatment, dignity and respect. Where they face discrimination
or harassment from service users, the Council will take appropriate action to prevent this
recurring.
We will take account of equality and diversity as appropriate in the procurement and
commissioning process and when selecting contractors, evaluating their ability to deliver
services and monitoring their performance.
We are committed to preventing harassment and bullying at work. Any person who feels
that he or she has been subjected to such harassment may have recourse to the Council’s
harassment procedure.
A formal review of this policy will take place every three years, although the policy will be
kept under review at all times, and take account of any new legislation, cases law or good
and innovative practice.
The Equality and Diversity Policy will be made available on our website.
The Council welcomes feedback and complaints about any aspect of its work.
The Council will respond constructively to suggestions on how its complaints process may be
improved.
The Council acknowledges its statutory duties under
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the Sex Discrimination Act 1975,
Sex Discrimination (Gender Reassignment) Regulations 1999; and
Guidance produced by the Local Government Association on ‘Supporting Inclusive
Communities – Lesbians Gay Men and Local Democracy’ 2001.
The Disability Discrimination Act 2005 [DDA]; and
Employment Equality (Age) Regulations
The Council will not discriminate on the grounds of religion.
This policy will be reviewed in three years.
This policy was approved on 15 July 2015
Chairman