EQUALITY & DIVERSITY

We are an inclusive and diverse organisation.

1.1 Our policy applies to everyone who lives and works at Coombe House. We will work to ensure:
1. Our services are accessible to all who use them
2. Residents, employees and their families and those close to them are respected and free from victimisation and discrimination
3. We are an inclusive and diverse organisation

2.1 We understand the needs and aspirations of the people who live at Coombe and potential people who may come to live at Coombe.
2.1.1 We are committed to the benefits of having a better understanding of all the people who live at Coombe and the wider populations we serve. This knowledge helps us to evaluate the accessibility of our services and make any necessary adjustments. It is essential to helping us make sure we deliver high quality services tailored to the needs of the people who live at Coombe.
2.2 Our information and promotional material is appropriate and accessible for all.
2.2.1 We will ensure that all the information and promotional material we publish is: widely available; written in‘plain English’ and available in a range of formats that meet the needs of the people who live at Coombe.
2.3 We will continuously review our services to ensure that they are accessible to all.
2.3.1 No individual should suffer disadvantage or discrimination in the provision of our services. Through a process of continual review, and using advice and guidance from TC Business Services we will ensure that our services are accessible to all.

3.1 We actively work to raise awareness of equality and diversity issues in the team
3.1.1 We will research and act upon best practice and use every available opportunity to promote and raise awareness and understanding of equality and diversity.
3.2 Robust arrangements are in place to deal with instances of victimisation and discrimination. TC Business Services advise us and provide us with documentation in contracts and employee handbooks, and paperwork to use at interview and application for employment
3.2.1 We will work to eliminate discrimination and demonstrate an equitable approach to the rights and responsibilities of all individuals regardless of their gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious belief, age, disability and health, marital/dependent status, offending background and union or political membership status.
3.2.2 We believe that in order for Coombe House to prosper, everyone must be respected and free from discrimination and victimisation. We will work to ensure that people who live at Coombe and our employees are dealt with in an open and respectful manner.
3.2.3 All instances of a breach of this policy will be investigated and acted upon. Any act of discrimination or victimisation by employees or failure to comply with the terms of this policy will result in disciplinary action.

4.1 receive comprehensive ongoing training in respect of equality and diversity and the changing needs of the people who live at Coombe that we care for. At induction all are given a copy of the Employee Handbook, prepared by TC Business Services. The handbook includes a detailed and comprehensive section on Equal Opportunities, which we refer to alongside and as part of this policy. A copy of this section of the handbook is attached at the end of this policy.
4.1.1 Every employee will be given equality and diversity training at induction and on regular intervals after that. This will ensure that they are aware of their responsibilities and have the necessary knowledge to act in accordance with the policy.
4.2 Our workforce reflects the diversity and cultural profile of the local community.
4.2.1 We will regularly review the diversity and cultural profile of our workforce to ensure that they are reflective of the communities we serve.
4.3. We will ensure that all the people who live at Coombe and the people they have chosen to speak for them are given the opportunity to play an active role in our day to day life. We will proactively target underrepresented groups and design our involvement activity to ensure maximum accessibility.

5.1 Coombe House is ultimately responsible for the leadership and delivery of the equality and diversity policy and it will have overall responsibility for the commitment and implementation of this policy.
5.2 We provide learning and development, setting guidelines for implementation and operation of the policy. We also employ respected and qualified trainers to provide regular, relevant, up-to-date and comprehensive in-house training for all.
5.3 All,are required to state that they have read and understand and will adhere to the policy.

6.1 A copy of this policy will be made available to every employee and will be always available for consultation if needed.