equality and diversity policy


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Policy statement

The Adactus Housing Group recognises its responsibilties to provide equality of opportunity, eliminate discrimination and promote good relations in its activities as a landlord, managing agent, employer, contractor, partner and purchaser.

The Group is totally opposed to all forms of discrimination on the grounds of 'race', national origin, ethnic origin, nationality, religion, belief or lack of religion or belief, gender, gender reassignment status, being married or a civil partner, pregnancy or maternity leave, sexual orientation, disability or age.

Aims

This policy aims to summarise how the Group is working to eliminate discrimination, promote good relations and increase equality of opportunity. It supports the delivery of the following corporate objectives of the Adactus Housing Group taken from its current business plan:

‘Promote choice and services that are sensitive to the diverse needs of our customers.’

‘Recruit, retain and develop the best staff.’

‘Maintain strong governance with board members who provide the Group with a diversity of knowledge and experience.’

Scope

This policy applies to any person or organisation that any member of the Adactus Housing Group has contact with in undertaking its activities as landlord, managing agent, employer, contractor, partner and purchaser.

Links to other policies and strategies

The Group has established an Equality Impact Assessment process that must be applied to all policies to specifically consider equality and diversity issues when policies are produced or reviewed.

Context

This policy has been produced in accordance with the guidance provided by the Housing Corporation publication Equality and Diversity Good Practice Note 8 (November 2007).

There are currently eight main pieces of legislation in force in the UK which make discrimination in employment and in the provision of goods, facilities and services unlawful (this list is not exhaustive):

  • Sex Discrimination Act 1975
  • Race Relations Act 1976 (amended 2000)
  • Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (amended 2005)
  • Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2003
  • Employment Equality (Religion or Belief) Regulations 2003
  • Employment Equality (Age) Regulations 2006
  • Equality Act 2006
  • Equality Act (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2007

The Group also observes the Commission for Racial Equality code of practice on housing and associated guidance produced by the Equality and Human Rights Commission.

Definitions

Equality – A revised term for equal opportunities, being the same/treated the same.

Diversity – Recognising the differences in everyone that make them unique and responding to an individual’s needs.


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