The policy’s purpose is to:

• provide equality, fairness and respect for all in our organisation
• not unlawfully discriminate because of the Equality Act 2010 protected characteristics of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race (including colour, nationality, and ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation
• oppose and avoid all forms of unlawful discrimination

The organisation commits to:

• Encourage equality, diversity and inclusion as they are good practice and make organisational sense.
• Create a culture free of bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination, promoting dignity and respect for all, and where individual differences and the contributions of all staff are recognised and valued.
• This commitment includes offers support and guidance on the equality, diversity and inclusion policy. Responsibilities include board members conducting themselves to help the organisation provide equal opportunities to fellow board members and prevent bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination.
• All board members should understand they, as well as the CST, can be held liable for acts of bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination, in the course of their term on the board, against fellow members of the elected board, members, the wider supporter base and the general public.
• Take seriously complaints of bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination by fellow members of the elected board, members, the wider supporter base, the general public or any others in the course of the organisation’s work activities.
• Such acts will be dealt with as misconduct. Particularly serious complaints could amount to gross misconduct.