Policy Statement The CEDu3a is a learning co-operative and membership charity which enables members in their third age to share educational, creative and leisure activities. Members of each u3a draw upon their knowledge, skills and experience to teach and learn from each other (peer to peer learning). CEDu3a is committed to the principles of e quality and diversity because some individuals, groups andcommunities are more likely to face discrimination, harassment and exclusion in society. Community groups can ignore or discriminate against particular disadvantaged groups unintentionally, without realising it is happ ening. Thinking about how we can address this will help us create an environment which is as safe and inclusive as possible for anyone who would like to join and participate in ourgroups. Should Aims of this policy This policy has been drawnup to comply with the Equality Act 2010. The Act stipulates that organisations cannot treat someone unfairly on the basis of what it calls protected characteristics, which are: ❑ age CEDu3a will ensure that members do not experience discrimination on the basis of the above protected characteristics as found in the Equality act 2010. This will include, wherever possible, ensuring equal access to groups and ensuring appropriate behaviour between members and by CEDu3a Executive Members and group leaders. The Equality Act highlights that organisations need to consider what reasonable adjustments can be made in order to accommodate those who may have particular needs. CEDu3a Executive Officers will review the reasonable adjustments needed for all members and individual members with particular needs on an ongoing basis. Where necessary, the Officers will seek guidance and additional support from the CEDu3a Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Team and/or National u3a Office Practical approaches to inclusion CEDu3a will make sure all new members are aware of our policies and procedures in relation to equality, diversity and inclusion and accessibility as well as the Member Code of Conduct. CEDu3a will make reasonable adjustments wherever possible and take practical steps to try to ensure a wide range of people can participate in our activities and meetings. This may include: ❑ Consideration given to the time of day of meetings and their location Dealing with discrimination and harassment If any member of CEDu3a feels they have experienced or witnessed discriminatory behaviour or harassment, this should be reported to the Chair or the Secretary of the Executive Committee. Where CEDu3a Executive becomes aware of any discriminatory practice or harassment, the Executive Officers will seek to address this through consultation with all parties concerned and decide in line with the constitution and the agreed Complaints Procedure, as to what steps will be taken to address the issue Definitions ❑ Equality is about ensuring that every individual has an equal opportunity to make the most of their lives and talents, and believing that no one should have poorer life chances because of where, when or whom they were born, or because of other characteristics ❑ Promoting equality is about behaving in a way that tackles inequalities, aiming to ensure that all members are treated fairly, and do not experience discrimination ❑ Promoting diversity is about recognising that everyone is different and creating an environment that values members and ensuring that the u3a Movement is as accessible as possible to different groups within the community ❑ Inclusion is about positively striving to meet the needs of different people and taking practical steps to ensure members feel respected ❑ Direct discrimination is when a person is treated less favourably because of their ethnic origin, nationality (or statelessness) or race, age, disability, religion or belief (including the absence of belief), marital or civil partnership status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, gender reassignment, political belief ❑ Indirect discrimination occurs when a condition or requirement is applied equally to all groups of people but has a disproportionately adverse effect on one particular group ❑ Harassment is unwanted conduct related to ‘protected characteristics’ that has the purpose or effect of violating a member’s dignity, or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment. Harassment is also unwanted conduct of a sexual nature which has that same purpose or effect ❑ Victimisation occurs when a member is treated less favourably than others in the same circumstances because he or she has made a complaint or an allegation of discrimination, harassment or bullying or given information regarding such a complaint or allegation Approved by the Executive Committee on 8 September 2023 |
EDI reports
| ▷ Name change and equality, diversity and inclusion issues |
