BTF Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policy

The British Thyroid Foundation (BTF) is committed to encouraging equality, diversity and inclusion among our workforce, and eliminating unlawful discrimination.

The aim is for our staff and volunteers to be truly representative of all sections of society and for each employee and volunteer to feel respected and able to give their best.

The organisation - in providing support and information - is also committedly against unlawful discrimination of our service users.

Our policy’s purpose

This policy’s purpose is to:

1. Provide equality, fairness, and respect for all, either within the organisation and those we provide help and support for.

2. Not unlawfully discriminate because of the Equality Act 2010 protected characteristics of:

·         age

·         disability

·         social class

·         marriage and civil partnership

·         pregnancy and maternity

·         race (including colour, nationality, and ethnic or national origin)

·         religion or belief

·         gender or gender reassignment

·         sexual orientation

·         caring responsibilities

 

3. The BTF is committed to:

·         treating all people with dignity and respect, and valuing the diversity of all

·         providing an accessible service, which is appropriate and delivered fairly to everyone

·         dealing with grievances and discipline

·         ensuring its employees and volunteers reflect, as far as possible, the broad mix of our society

·         promoting equality of opportunity and diversity in volunteering, employment and development

·         ensuring that equality and diversity are central to the work of The Charity.

·         eliminating all forms of discrimination on grounds of race, gender, marital status, caring responsibilities, disability, gender re-assignment, age, social class, sexual orientation, religion/ belief, irrelevant of background or any other factor

·         tackling social exclusion, inequality, discrimination and disadvantage.

 

Agreement to follow this policy

The British Thyroid Foundation is committed to the implementation of this policy and to a programme of action to ensure that the policy is, and continues to be, fully effective. The overall responsibility for the policy lies with the BTF Trustees. However, all staff and volunteers are required to comply with the policy and to act in accordance with its objectives to remove any barriers to equal opportunity.

For this policy to be successful, it is essential that everyone is committed to, and involved in, its delivery. The organisation’s goal is to work towards a just society free from discrimination, harassment and prejudice. Our aims are to embed this in all our policies, procedures, day-to-day practices and external relationships.

Monitoring will also include assessing how the equality, diversity and inclusion policy is implemented.

Our disciplinary and grievance procedures

Details of how our service users can raise a complaint can be found in our Terms and conditions on our website. The organisation’s grievance or disciplinary procedures for employees can be found in our staff handbook and our volunteers can refer to our Volunteer Policy. Any act of discrimination by employees or volunteers or any failure to comply with the terms of this policy may result in disciplinary action.

 this policy was last reviewed in November 2023