EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY POLICY

The Vale of Grwyney Community Council aims to ensure the equal opportunities and treatment of its employees, councillors, job applicants, volunteers and any other individuals connected with or working with the Council.

It is unlawful to discriminate against an individual on the following grounds:

  • age
  • disability
  • gender reassignment
  • marriage and civil partnership
  • pregnancy and maternity
  • race
  • religion or belief
  • sex
  • sexual orientation

Under the Equality Act 2010 these are known as “protected characteristics”.  This list is not exhaustive, but serves to reflect the intention of this policy.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this policy is to protect equal opportunities to all individuals, irrespective of their characteristics (unless there are genuine occupational qualifications or objectively justified reasons for a different approach to be taken).   We oppose all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination whether it be direct or indirect discrimination, victimisation or harassment on the grounds of any of the protected characteristics defined in the Equality Act 2010. 

SCOPE

The Council, its councillors and employees all have a duty both morally and legally not to unfairly discriminate against individuals.  They all hold a personal responsibility for the practical application of the equality of opportunity across the Council.

All employees will be treated fairly and equally.  Selection for employment, promotion, training, remuneration or any other benefit will be on the basis of aptitude and ability.  All employees will be helped and encouraged to develop their full potential and the talents and resources of the workforce will be fully utilised to maximise the efficiency of the council.

OUR COMMITMENT


Every employee is entitled to a working environment that promotes dignity and respect to all.  No form of intimidation, bullying or harassment will be tolerated.

The Council recognises that training and development may be required to ensure that councillors and officers have the knowledge and appropriate behaviour to implement its Equality & Diversity Policy.

The commitment to equal opportunities in the workplace is good management practice and makes sound business sense as it seeks to utilise the talents available from the local community, representing society as a whole.

BREACHES

Breaches of our Equality & Diversity Policy by employees will be regarded as serious misconduct and could lead to disciplinary proceedings.

If there is any doubt about appropriate treatment under the Council’s Equality & Diversity Policy Members of the Public should refer to the Council’s Complaints Procedure. 

This policy was reviewed and approved by Council on 16th June 2025