Equality and Diversity Policy
Our Commitment
As a provider, Seven Steps Support Ltd is committed to providing services which recognise individual needs, promote equality of access, and are free from unlawful discrimination.
As an employer, Seven Steps Support Limited is committed to building and maintaining an inclusive organisation which will:
- Recognise and value the inherent worth and dignity of each person
- Foster mutual respect and understanding
- Encourage each individual to strive to reach his or her own potential
- Treat people with dignity, courtesy, and respect
All employees have the right to perform their work free from discrimination, harassment, and bullying, and any other form of unwanted behaviour.
In line with this commitment, it is our policy to treat all employees, customers, partners, contractors, and suppliers fairly regardless of their gender, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, race, colour, nationality, religion or beliefs, age, HIV status, working pattern, caring responsibilities, offending history, trade union activity or political beliefs, class – or any other feature.
Our aim is to ensure that these commitments, reinforced by our Values, are embedded in our day-to-day working practices with all of our employees, customers, and partners.
Definition of Diversity
Diversity is about recognising individual differences and including everyone – as employees, customers, and partners.
A diverse workforce or community can include many types of ‘difference’. These can be demographic differences such as age, race, gender, ethnicity, organisational differences such as education, work patterns, job role, or psychological differences in personality, attitudes, and beliefs. We all help to make up the diversity within our communities and workplace, not just those of us from recognised minority groups. We can all belong to a number of different overlapping groups at any one time and whilst some ‘differences’ remain constant e.g. ethnic origins, colour, others may change over time e.g. age, marital status, job role, caring responsibilities, disability.
Diversity is not just about responding to legislation - many aspects of diversity are not covered by current equal opportunities legislation. Neither is it about creating a level playing field and treating people equally. Diversity is about acknowledging difference and treating everyone fairly – taking into account those differences. In other words, diversity is relevant to everyone and includes everyone.
Definition of Equality
Equality aims to create equality of opportunity for everyone whilst recognising that some people face barriers that others do not. Equality is about ensuring that people are treated in a non-discriminatory way and challenging behaviours that could be regarded as inappropriate or unfair.
Working in ways that promote Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion ensures that care is fair and individuals are not discriminated against.
Demonstrating our Commitment
We will demonstrate our commitment by:
- Promoting equality of opportunity and diversity within the communities in which we work and with all our partners and employees.
- Treating our customers, colleagues, and partners fairly and with respect
- Consulting with our customers, colleagues, and partners about the services we provide
- Dealing with complaints, including those of harassment, quickly and effectively
- Using fair and objective employment practices to ensure all areas are free from discrimination
- Promoting an open, honest, and transparent culture
- Building a workforce which is representative of the communities in which we work
- Promoting an environment free from discrimination, bullying, and harassment, and tackling behaviour which breaches this
- Recognising and valuing the differences and individual contributions that people make
- Providing appropriate training to enable employees to meet their diversity and equality aims and objectives
Your Personal Responsibility
All employees have a legal duty to behave in a way that is consistent with the Diversity and Equality Policy and have a part to play in challenging discriminatory acts, including bullying and harassment towards themselves.