Equality and Diversity Policy

1. Purpose and Scope

Eridge Village Hall is committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion in all areas of its work and operations. This policy applies to all trustees, volunteers, employees (if any), hirers, contractors, service users and members of the public who use or visit the Hall.

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that everyone is treated fairly and with respect, that diversity is valued, and that no individual or group is treated less favourably because of who they are or what they believe.

2. Policy Statement

Eridge Village Hall recognises that discrimination, harassment and victimisation are unacceptable. The Charity is committed to ensuring that its facilities, services and employment practices are free from unfair and unlawful discrimination.

We aim to:
- Provide a welcoming, inclusive environment for all members of the community.
- Promote equality of opportunity in the use of the Hall and its facilities.
- Actively oppose all forms of discrimination, bullying or harassment.
- Comply with all relevant equality legislation, including the Equality Act 2010.

3. Legal Framework

This policy reflects our obligations under the Equality Act 2010, which protects individuals from unfair treatment on the grounds of:
- Age
- Disability
- Gender reassignment
- Marriage and civil partnership
- Pregnancy and maternity
- Race (including colour, nationality and ethnic or national origins)
- Religion or belief
- Sex
- Sexual orientation

These are known as the protected characteristics.

4. Implementation

The Management Committee will:
- Ensure that this policy is communicated to all trustees, volunteers, regular hirers and contractors.
- Include equality and diversity considerations in all decision-making, policies and procedures.
- Ensure that publicity and communications reflect the diversity of the community.
- Make reasonable adjustments where necessary to ensure access for people with disabilities.
- Challenge and address inappropriate behaviour or language by any user or representative of the Hall.

5. Responsibilities

- Trustees have overall responsibility for ensuring this policy is implemented and reviewed.
- Volunteers and staff are expected to uphold the principles of equality and diversity in their work and interactions.
- Hirers and users must comply with this policy as a condition of hire. Breaches may result in refusal or cancellation of bookings.

6. Accessibility

Eridge Village Hall is committed to making its facilities accessible to all members of the community.
Where barriers exist, the Committee will take reasonable steps to remove or reduce them, including:
- Maintaining an accessible entrance and toilet facilities.
- Providing clear signage and lighting.
- Reviewing access arrangements regularly.

7. Breaches of the Policy

Any form of discrimination, harassment or victimisation will not be tolerated.
If anyone feels they have been unfairly treated or discriminated against in connection with the Hall, they should raise the issue with the Hall Secretary or the Chair of Trustees.
Complaints will be handled promptly, fairly and confidentially in accordance with the Hall’s Complaints Procedure.

8. Monitoring and Review

This policy will be reviewed every two years (or sooner if legislation changes) by the Management Committee.
The Committee will monitor:
- How the Hall is used by different community groups.
- Whether any complaints or incidents have occurred.
- Whether improvements in accessibility or inclusiveness are required.

9. Related Policies

This policy should be read in conjunction with:
- Safeguarding Policy
- Health & Safety Policy
- Volunteer Policy
- Complaints Policy
- Data Protection (GDPR) Policy

Signed: david smith

Name: [Chair / Secretary, Eridge Village Hall]

Date: March 2025

Next Review Date: March 2027