Equality, Diversity and Dignity at Work Policy

About this item

Overview

The Equality, Diversity and Dignity at Work Policy sets out Kesgrave Town Council’s commitment to fairness, inclusion, and respect across all areas of its work. The Council values diversity and aims to ensure that everyone associated with the organisation is treated with dignity, courtesy, and respect.

This policy ensures compliance with the Equality Act 2010 and promotes a culture free from bullying, harassment, and unlawful discrimination. All councillors, staff, contractors, and members of the public are expected to uphold these principles.

Our Commitment

The Council is committed to:

• Providing equal treatment and opportunities in all aspects of its operations.
• Ensuring a safe working environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.
• Preventing unlawful discrimination, harassment, and victimisation.
• Encouraging equality of opportunity in employment, recruitment, and service delivery.

Breaches of this policy will be addressed under the Council’s disciplinary procedures for staff or under the Councillors’ Code of Conduct where applicable.

Legal Framework

This policy is guided by the Equality Act 2010, which protects individuals from discrimination on the basis of the following protected characteristics:

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

Definitions

The policy defines and prohibits various forms of discrimination, including:

• Direct Discrimination – treating someone less favourably because of a protected characteristic.
• Indirect Discrimination – applying a policy or rule that disadvantages individuals with a protected characteristic.
• Harassment – unwanted conduct that violates a person’s dignity or creates a hostile or offensive environment.
• Victimisation – treating someone unfairly because they have raised or supported a complaint of discrimination.
• Bullying – offensive, intimidating, or malicious behaviour intended to undermine or humiliate.

Equal Opportunities

Kesgrave Town Council avoids unlawful discrimination in all aspects of its business, including recruitment, promotion, training, pay, and disciplinary matters. Job candidates and employees are assessed solely on their ability to perform the role, with reasonable adjustments made where required.

Monitoring and Data Protection

The Council monitors workforce composition by ethnicity, gender, age, and disability to identify any imbalances. All monitoring data is processed in accordance with the Council’s Data Protection Policy and Privacy Statement.

Training and Awareness

The Council provides training to raise awareness of equality, diversity, and dignity at work. This includes training for those involved in recruitment or decision-making, and additional training for supervisors to handle complaints effectively.

Reporting Concerns

Anyone experiencing bullying, harassment, or discrimination should report it to the Town Clerk or Chair of the Council. All reports will be treated seriously, confidentially, and investigated promptly in line with Council procedures.

Effective Date and Review

This policy was approved by Full Council on 02 June 2025 and will be reviewed no later than 02 June 2028.

Contact: For further information or to report a concern under this policy, contact:
Kesgrave Town Council
Town Council Office, Ferguson Way, Kesgrave, IP5 2FZ
Tel: 01473 625 179
Email: enquiry@kesgravetowncouncil.org.uk