Equal Opportunities Policy
1. Purpose
The Centre of Excellence in Child Trauma (COECT) is committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of our work. This policy aims to ensure that all employees, volunteers, and service users are treated fairly and with respect, regardless of their background, identity, or circumstances.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all employees, volunteers, contractors, and service users associated with COECT.
3. Policy Statement
COECT is dedicated to providing equal opportunities and preventing discrimination in the workplace and in the delivery of our services. We will not tolerate discrimination based on age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.
4. Responsibilities
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Management: Ensure the implementation and monitoring of this policy. Provide training and support to staff to uphold the principles of equality and diversity. Lead by example in promoting a culture of respect and inclusion.
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Employees and Volunteers: Adhere to the policy and promote a culture of respect and inclusion. Report any instances of discrimination or harassment. Participate in training programs and apply the knowledge gained in their daily interactions.
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Service Users: Respect the principles of this policy and engage with COECT in a manner that supports equality and diversity. Provide feedback to help improve our services and practices.
5. Procedures
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Recruitment and Selection: Ensure that our recruitment processes are fair and transparent, providing equal opportunities for all candidates. Job advertisements will be written in inclusive language and will be accessible to a diverse audience. Selection criteria will be based on merit and the ability to perform the job.
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Training and Development: Offer training and development opportunities to all employees and volunteers to support their professional growth and understanding of equality and diversity. Training will include topics such as unconscious bias, cultural competency, and inclusive communication.
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Complaints and Grievances: Provide a clear and accessible process for reporting and addressing complaints of discrimination or harassment. All complaints will be taken seriously and investigated promptly and thoroughly. Appropriate action will be taken to address any issues identified.
6. Training Programs
COECT is committed to providing comprehensive training programs to ensure all staff and volunteers are equipped with the knowledge and skills to promote equality and diversity. Our training programs include:
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Induction Training: All new employees and volunteers will receive induction training that covers the principles of equality and diversity, as well as COECT's policies and procedures. This training will also include an introduction to trauma-informed care and its importance in our work.
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Ongoing Training: Regular training sessions will be provided to update staff and volunteers on best practices in equality and diversity, as well as any changes to relevant legislation. These sessions will be interactive and may include workshops, seminars, and e-learning modules.
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Specialised Training: Additional training will be offered on specific topics such as unconscious bias, cultural competency, and inclusive communication to enhance the understanding and effectiveness of our team. We will also provide training on how to support children and families from diverse backgrounds who have experienced trauma.
7. Monitoring and Review
This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure its effectiveness and relevance. Feedback from employees, volunteers, and service users will be considered in the review process. We will also monitor our recruitment, training, and service delivery practices to identify and address any areas for improvement.
8. Commitment to Best Practices
COECT is committed to adopting best practices in trauma-informed care and ensuring that our services are accessible and inclusive for all children and families affected by trauma. We will continuously seek to improve our practices and stay informed about developments in the field of equality and diversity.