Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

What we believe

Equality, diversity and inclusion is central to our work. We believe that:

• Equality is about removing barriers and making sure people from all sections of the community have fair and equal opportunities to access services.
• Diversity is about respecting and valuing people’s differences and treating them in an appropriate way.
• Inclusion is about making sure that people feel comfortable to be themselves, and feel that they belong.

We are fully aware of our responsibility towards customers falling within the protected characteristics covered by the Equality Act 2010 and are committed to ensuring that no group receives less favourable treatment from us when accessing services.

There are nine protected characteristics:

• Age
• Disability
• Gender reassignment (we also include gender identity and gender expression)
• Marriage and civil partnership
• Pregnancy and maternity
• Race
• Religion and belief
• Sex
• Sexual orientation.

Why it is important

By law, we must make sure that we do not discriminate against anyone for any reason. It is also morally wrong to discriminate against someone.

As a successful organisation, we encourage diversity because if we have a wider range of people working for us, we are more likely to have someone who understands your specific needs and can provide the particular service you want.

Everyone is responsible

All our staff have a responsibility to ensure that equality, diversity and inclusion is put into practice. We expect a commitment from everyone to ensure that their action does not lead to unlawful discrimination.

What you can expect from us

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion is part of who we are

We are proud of our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and what we have achieved so far. It:

• Is driven from the top – the chief executive, directors, heads of service and managers are responsible for making sure everything works. We never want equality, diversity and inclusion to be an ‘add-on’ but part of who we are and how we work.
• Informs our plans – we aim to make sure we do not knowingly create an unfair disadvantage for anyone, directly or indirectly through our policies, procedures and practice
• Is supported through staff training, development and engagement.

Understanding our customers and shaping services

If you provide us with up-to-date information about you and your household we can look at ways to improve our services, so that they meet your needs and the needs of all our customers.

For example, if you require disabled access, we will do our best to provide a home that is adapted to your needs. If English is not your first language, we can provide information and publications in languages such as Welsh.

Raising awareness

We are committed to dealing promptly and effectively with all aspects of hate related crime, harassment (racial and on other grounds), anti-social behaviour and domestic violence as it impacts on customers and communities.

You should let us know if you feel you have suffered any form of harassment, whether it is racial harassment or any other form of harassment.

You can contact us but if you feel in danger please call 999.

For more information about our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, please read our strategy here.