Equality and Diversity

All young people are given the opportunity to be cared for and educated. Where possible this is alongside their peers in order to develop their full potential.

Staff are expected to identify local community resources that contribute to meeting the needs of individuals - these are highlighted and promoted and where they do not meet required needs alternatives are sought and suitably identified, regardless of geographical location, for example hairdressers who specialise in braiding or cutting African Caribbean hair.

Young people are cared for by staff who have been suitably trained in all aspects of equality and diversity including legislation and their responsibilities.

Managers ensure that assessment of the young person’s specific needs is carried out with the aim to support and develop their full potential.

Managers are expected to examine ways in which diversity can be valued and activities adapted to meet the individual needs including food choices.

Staff are expected to offer appropriate support to aid inclusion and ensure that the young people can fully participate in activities. If necessary additional support should be sought in order to do this.

Additional support is offered to staff and/or young people who are finding difficulty in understanding diverse or complex situations.

Having the opportunity to express and enrich one’s own self and identity can greatly impact upon the way in which young people grow and develop.

In order to help young people to grow into healthy adults who are confident and proud of who they are, the Service needs to foster a culture where young people of every race and ethnicity are understood, valued and respected equally.

No form of racism or prejudice towards anyone within or outside the Service is acceptable. Any expression of racism or prejudice will not be tolerated and if found will be managed under the Disciplinary Procedure.

For each young person we need to understand how we can provide the best support to give the young person a positive sense of ethnic background, so that they feel confident and proud of who they are. This may be achieved through understanding and supporting their interest in spirituality, their family, community groups and history, and by providing opportunity and resources to enable young people to identify strong role models from black and minority ethnic backgrounds.

The Service needs to be aware of cultural needs that are relevant to the individual young person including language, dietary requirements and any hair or skin care needs. We also have a responsibility to understand and provide the opportunity for the social and emotional needs of the young person, including self-awareness, respect, and identity and we should encourage and support the young person in taking part in community activities and cultural events if this is what they want to do.

They are supported in sharing and exploring values with one another. The group living experience offers a great opportunity to share and understand the beliefs and culture of those from different backgrounds and we encourage individuals to celebrate and be proud of their differences.

The Service will not discriminate (directly or indirectly) against any persons (including staff, potential staff or young person) on the basis of a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010:

• Age;
• Disability;
• Gender reassignment;
• Marriage and civil partnership;
• Pregnancy and maternity;
• Race;
• Religion or belief;
• Sex;
• Sexual orientation.

Crimes committed against someone because of their disability, transgender-identity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation are hate crimes and should be reported to the police.

Hate crimes can include:

• Threatening behaviour;
• Assault;
• Robbery;
• Damage to property;
• Inciting others to commit hate crimes;
• Harassment;
• Online abuse.

You can report hate crime online.

In addition:

1. We encourage young people to develop respect for themselves and for others;
2. We deliver services that recognise and build on the strengths of young people from all cultures, religions, gender, age, sexual orientation, ability and backgrounds; in ways that meet their needs and help them to achieve their full potential;
3. Every effort is made to ensure that Services are welcoming to all young people and others significant in their support; this effort is reflected in the communication around the Service including: posters, information boards, displays and leaflets. In addition to this, resources used to develop work with young people are chosen for their suitability and anti-oppressive nature;
4. Young people are offered opportunities to try out new experiences, which are not restricted by traditional gender options;
5. Staff are expected to challenge attitudes, behaviour and language that are non-inclusive and discriminatory, in a positive way;
6. Managers are expected to monitor the range young people placed within the Service in terms of ethnicity, gender and disability. This is to ensure the service provision is reaching all and not creating barriers to certain groups.

Young people are protected, and helped to keep themselves safe, from bullying, homophobic behaviour, racism, sexism, radicalisation and other forms of discrimination. Any discriminatory behaviours (direct or indirect) are challenged and help and support are given to young people about how to treat others with respect.

• We recognise that discrimination is unacceptable and although equality of opportunity has been a long-standing feature of our employment practices and procedure, we have made the decision to adopt a formal equal opportunities policy. Breaches of the policy will lead to disciplinary proceedings and if appropriate, disciplinary action (for further information, please refer to the Complaints and Representations Procedure);
• The aim of the policy is to ensure no job applicant or employee is discriminated against either directly or indirectly on the grounds of race, colour, creed, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religious belief, political opinion or affiliation, sex, marital status, sexual orientation or disability;
• We will ensure that the policy is circulated to any agencies responsible for our recruitment and a copy of the policy will be made available for all employees and made known to all applicants for employment;
• The policy will be communicated to all private contractors reminding them of their responsibilities towards the equality of opportunity;
• The policy will be implemented in accordance with the appropriate statutory requirements and full account will be taken of all available guidance and in particular any relevant Codes of Practice;
• We will maintain a neutral working environment in which no worker feels under threat or intimidated.