Diversity policy

COPE recognises the value of having a diverse Board of Trustees, Council, and workforce and aims to ensure policies and practices are fair, equitable, and free from any form of discrimination.

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–– Aims

Principles

COPE is committed to fostering diversity, equity and inclusion for all who undertake activities for COPE, both as paid staff, freelancers, contractors and volunteers (Trustees and Council Members), including selection of speakers for COPE presentations, topics for COPE guidance, volunteers in COPE working groups, etc. COPE welcomes applications for employment or to volunteer at COPE from people representing different backgrounds and characteristics, including age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, ethnic origin, nationality, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.

Aims

COPE aims to:

Improve the diversity mix within the Trustee Board and COPE Council so that COPE's leadership reflects the vast diversity of backgrounds, experiences, and characteristics of our broader membership.
Ensure equality of opportunity for all in all employment practises, including recruitment, development, progression, etc.
Promote a culture where people from different backgrounds feel welcome and valued.
Encourage working together so people can benefit from sharing knowledge and experience.

Benefits

Benefits of building a diverse workforce and Trustee Board/Council include:

Encouraging, recruiting, and retaining people from a wide talent base
Having a wider range of resources, skills, and ideas among employees/volunteers
Increased creativity and problem solving
Learning from each other’s experience and sharing different perspectives
Improving the understanding of the needs of the COPE membership

Responsibilities

This policy applies to all COPE employees, freelancers, contracted staff, and volunteers, and anyone acting on behalf of COPE. All employees, freelancers, contracted staff, and members of COPE Council and Trustees are responsible for familiarising themselves with this policy and understanding their obligations as defined herein.

1. All employees, freelancers and contracted staff

All employees, freelancers and contracted staff will demonstrate commitment to equality and diversity by:

Encouraging all employees, freelancers and volunteers to reflect this same commitment to these principles in their work.
Helping to create and maintain a climate which supports equality of opportunity by treating colleagues fairly and with respect.
Ensuring that their behaviour is positive, treating persons with dignity and respect at all times, and making decisions based on merits rather than acting on assumptions.
Working together to develop different skills and abilities to make the most of our diversity.
Displaying behaviour and using language which shows sensitivity to other people.

2. Trustee Board and Council Members

Trustees and Council Members are responsible for:

Promoting a culture of diversity and inclusiveness as integral to the vision and mission of this organisation.
Educating themselves on discrimination experienced by those representing different backgrounds as above.
Investigate and address underlying biases or assumptions that may interfere with our commitment to this policy.
Providing support to any individual who has a concern or suffered from unfair treatment.
Promoting a culture where individual views are expressed freely and people are valued for their differences.
Ensuring fair and equitable processes in all areas of activity are in place and followed by all.
Displaying behaviour and using language which shows sensitivity to other people.
Leading with respect and tolerance.

Encouraging all employees and volunteers to reflect this same commitment to these principles in their work.

3. Officers and Executive Staff

Officers and Executive Staff are responsible for ensuring that:

Discriminatory practices do not take place within COPE.
Any breaches and complaints are dealt with quickly and effectively.

Complaints

Any employee or person working or volunteering for COPE, or applying for a post at COPE, who consider they have received unequal treatment, may make a complaint to the Executive Officer or to a COPE Officer. Please refer to the grievance policy (being reviewed) for details.

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