Equality and Diversity Policy

 

Statement of Intent

This policy aims to ensure that no client suffers discrimination on the grounds of gender, race, culture, religion, nationality, age, disability, sexuality, class, political affiliation, marital, parental or financial status. Counselling Salisbury believes that failure to provide equal opportunities for clients is failing the ethos of Counselling Salisbury. Thus all forms of discrimination are opposed.

Definition of Terms

Direct Discrimination: Refers to treating a person less favourably than others in similar circumstances.

Indirect Discrimination: Refers to the application of requirements which intentionally or not, have an adverse effect on one particular group.

Harassment: Is any behaviour, deliberate or otherwise, which is unwarranted, unwelcome, found to be offensive, objectionable, upsetting or embarrassing to the recipient.

Victimisation: Treating a person less favourably than others because he/she has exercised his/her rights under this policy.

Responsibilities of Counselling Salisbury

  1. To promote equal opportunities for all.
  2. To make this policy known to all individuals and groups who work with, for or on behalf of the Company.
  3. The language of all Counselling Salisbury’s official documents shall be non discriminatory and adhere to all aspects of this stated equal opportunities policy.
  4. All policies and practices operated by Counselling Salisbury will recognise and adhere to stated equal opportunities policy.
  5. To examine and review this policy on a regular basis. Monitoring to ascertain its effectiveness and to make any necessary changes.

Responsibilities of all working in or for Counselling Salisbury

  1. All working in or for the Company will cooperate fully with this equal opportunities policy.
  2. Not to discriminate.
  3. Not to attempt to encourage others to discriminate.
  4. Not to physically or psychologically harass, abuse or intimidate others.
  5. To complain to Mike Sims about any act of discrimination.

Advertising

Counselling Salisbury will promote its organisation and services in a variety of publications, including electronic forms.

Advertising undertaken by Counselling Salisbury will seek to fulfil all aspects of the equal opportunities policy.

Recruitment

All prospective counsellors, employees, contractors, sub-contractors will apply through recognised channels. There will be a standard selection procedure and people will be appointed according to merit, experience and personal qualities. Gender, race, culture, religion, nationality, age, disability, sexuality, class, political affiliation, marital, parental or financial status will not be taken into account.

Counsellors, employees, contractors, sub-contractors will be made aware of the equal opportunities policy.

Practical Working Attitudes

All clients and those using our service will be equally accepted regardless of their gender, race, culture, religion, nationality, age, disability, sexuality, class, political affiliation, marital, parental or financial status.

Counsellors, employees, contractors, sub-contractors should be as aware as possible of cultural differences and not make assumptions about clients, trainees and others Counselling Salisbury has dealings with. Stereotypical thinking should be avoided.

Attention should be directed to the language used. Counselling Salisbury wishes to be aware of cultural variables with all those with whom it works.

Grievances

All grievances will be taken seriously. Initially you are requested to address these with Mike Sims directly.

All therapeutic work undertaken by the Company is subject to appropriate codes of ethics (the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) and this offers an alternative complaint route for those wishing to use it.