{"id":4575,"date":"2022-08-22T09:30:23","date_gmt":"2022-08-22T08:30:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.highspeedtraining.co.uk\/hub\/?p=4575"},"modified":"2024-05-13T15:38:01","modified_gmt":"2024-05-13T14:38:01","slug":"equality-and-diversity-policy-template-guidance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.highspeedtraining.co.uk\/hub\/equality-and-diversity-policy-template-guidance\/","title":{"rendered":"Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policies in the Workplace: Free Template"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) are concepts we must all actively incorporate into all areas of our lives, and this is especially true when in the workplace. Everyone deserves equal opportunity, no matter what background they may come from or what attributes they may possess.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, this does not mean simply treating everyone the same. Equality, diversity and inclusion are all about promoting and accepting the things that distinguish us from those around us and making others feel safe and welcome. It is about ensuring that you are receptive to the needs of those with unique characteristics; that you are supportive and inclusive of them. This is what an EDI policy should represent. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This article will feature a downloadable equality, diversity and inclusion policy example,<\/span> to help you understand where to begin when writing your own policy for your company, and how to develop and maintain it.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What are Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policies?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This is a written document that solidifies your commitment to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion in your workplace. It sets out your obligations in areas like recruitment, training and pay. It indicates that you value every individual; that you are willing and prepared to fulfil their needs; that you will stand by them and combat discrimination. EDI policies aim to uproot prejudice and discrimination, taking protected characteristics into account at the heart of disputes. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The equality, diversity and inclusion policy will state that the company aims to safeguard those who may face inequality or harassment due to one or more of the <\/span>9 protected characteristics<\/b>. These are protected from discrimination under equality legislation \u2013 the Equality Act (2010).<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The 9 Protected Characteristics are:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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  1. Age<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Disability<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Sex<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Sexual orientation<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Race<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  6. Religion or belief<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  7. Gender reassignment<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  8. Marriage or civil partnership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  9. Pregnancy and maternity<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    You may also want to extend those safeguards beyond the 9 protected characteristics to include other characteristics that may result in a person becoming under-represented, marginalised or minoritised for example; socio-economic status or caring responsibilities. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n

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    \"equality<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

    Every workplace should have an EDI policy and apply it to every aspect of employment \u2013 whether it be recruitment, pay, access to facilities, benefits, discipline procedures, and everything in between, right up to the end of their employment and beyond. A policy can guide how you should manage a situation in which someone has been treated unfairly or disrespectfully within your business.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It is not the law to have an EDI policy. However, it is strongly recommended in order to create an inclusive workplace, committed to celebrating equality, diversity and inclusion. An HR team will be best suited to developing, monitoring and actioning an EDI policy. However, this does not mean they are strictly limited to interacting with and contributing to the policy. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    Why are EDI Policies Important in the Workplace?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Having an EDI policy is important for a number of reasons, it makes sure everyone knows:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n