Equality and Diversity policy

Equality and Diversity policy

This statement sets out Best Practice Network Ltd’s Equality of Opportunity Policy. The policy is designed to provide a standard to ensure that services are accessible, responsive and sustainable and to ensure that BPN Ltd is a healthy and vibrant place to work.

Best Practice Network Ltd wholeheartedly support the principles of equal opportunities and is determined that everyone will have equality of opportunity in respect of employment. BPN oppose all forms of unlawful or unfair discrimination on the grounds of colour, race, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, age or disability and are aware of equal opportunities legislation including:

      • Equal Pay Act 1970
      • Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000
      • Sex Discrimination Act 1975
      • Civil Partnership Act 2004
      • Race Relations Act 1976
      • Disability Discrimination Act 2005
      • Disability Discrimination Act 1995
      • Equality Act 2010
      • Human Rights Act 1998

Every possible step will be taken to ensure that individuals are treated equally and fairly and that decisions on recruitment, selection, training, promotion and career management are based solely on objective and job-related criteria.

BPN recognise that tackling discrimination helps to attract, motivate and retain staff. It helps employers make the best use of skills and can lead to a more diverse workforce, new ideas, access to wider markets and a better image. As an employer BPN will:

  • ensure that there is no discrimination when deciding who to employ so that the best people are appointed to deliver BPN’s services
  • only consider applicants for jobs on the basis of their relevant experience, qualifications, skills and abilities
  • consider applicants with a disability positively. We will take all measures possible to make reasonable adjustments where appropriate in order to provide employment to applicants with a disability who meet the requirements for the post and prove to be the best candidate for the post
  • ensure that all employees receive fair and equal treatment in relation to their employment, regardless of whether they are part-time, full time or temporary
  • ensure that promotion, training or any other benefit will be on the basis of aptitude and ability;
  • encourage and help all our employees to reach their full potential
  • treat our employees fairly in relation to redundancy and the operation of the grievance and disciplinary procedures
  • ensure that the workplace is free from discrimination and harassment and will act promptly on any complaints of discrimination or harassment in an appropriate manner;
  • address issues of equal pay
  • wherever possible, make reasonable adjustments and retain, in suitable employment, employees who become disabled
  • ensure that all employees are aware of their personal responsibility to follow and support the equal opportunity policy

Meeting our legal and equalities objectives - Equality Act 2010

Disability Equality Policy

Best Practice Network will work to reduce disadvantages, discrimination and inequalities of opportunity, and promote diversity in terms of our workforce and the services we deliver.
We are guided by the following principles:

  • Anti-discrimination - so that disabled people do not have to face discrimination arising from bad practice.
  • Equality of opportunity or making things fairer for disabled people in every aspect of their contact with Best Practice Network.
  • Integration - such that services are made accessible to disabled people and offer choice.
  • Involvement in decision making - so that disabled people are consulted before decisions which affect them are made.

Objectives

We want disabled people working with us to realise their full potential. We will progress this by:

  • removing barriers and changing attitudes that prevent disabled people from getting access to jobs and services provided by BPN
  • promoting disability equality at all levels
  • creating a culture where harassment and discrimination against disabled people is unacceptable
  • creating a culture where employees feel able to declare their disability so that accurate information is available

Code of behaviour

All Best Practice Network Staff are expected to be familiar with the equality policies and to conduct themselves in accordance with its requirements.

  • All staff involved in personnel management will receive appropriate training.
  • It is acknowledged that discrimination may occur unintentionally however it is essential that a culture in which positive challenge to inappropriate or discriminatory behaviour is part of normal practice.
  • Any deliberate act of discrimination against other employees or service users will be treated as a disciplinary offence. Following a full investigation, appropriate action will be taken.
  • Any member of staff (or any applicant for a vacancy) who has a proposal or grievance in relation to the operation of the policy may refer it initially to his / her Line Manager in accordance with the Company’s grievance procedure.
  • The operation of the policy is monitored and is reported to the Board at regular intervals (at least annually).