DIVERSITY & EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES POLICY Updated: January 2017

1. POLICY STATEMENT CyLon opposes discrimination of all forms, and seeks to ensure that equality of opportunity and recognition of the value of diversity are reflected in all its activities. We believe that all persons should have equal rights to recognition of their human dignity, and to have equal opportunities to be educated, to work, receive services and to participate in society. CyLon is therefore committed to the promotion of equal opportunities within all of its activities. In order to express this commitment, we develop, promote and maintain policies that will be conductive to the principles of fairness and equality in the workplace. The objective of this policy is that no person should suffer or experience less favourable treatment, discrimination or lack of opportunities on the grounds of sex, gender identity, race, colour, nationality, ethnic origin, religious or philosophical beliefs, health status, HIV status, age, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, political beliefs, responsibility for dependents, disability, lack of formal qualification where such qualifications are not formally required, or any other grounds which cannot be shown to be justifiable within the context of this policy. CyLon is thereby conforming to the Equality Act of 2010, and the nine protected characteristics laid out therein. This policy will influence and affect every aspect of the work carried out by CyLon, including but not limited to: the recruitment of staff, contract workers and volunteers; the management of staff; the selection of participants for CyLon’s core programmes, and the opportunities provided to those participants. 2. POLICY ARRANGEMENTS This policy aims to ensure that nobody affiliated with CyLon is disadvantaged by conditions or requirements which are not justifiable. In order to implement this policy, we shall ensure the following are regularly reviewed: • •

selection criteria and procedures, to ensure individuals are selected on the basis of their relevant merits and abilities; and this policy, in order to evaluate its effectiveness and to ensure it complies with current legislation.

DIVERSITY AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES POLICY

It is the responsibility of CyLon’s management to: • • • •

apply this policy; promote anti-discriminatory practice; ensure that CyLon complies with all equal opportunities legislation; and ensure that all employees and participants are committed to the application of this policy.

All CyLon staff have a duty to accept their personal responsibility for the practical application of the policy across all their work.