Suffolk Refugee Support

Equality and Diversity Statement

The Suffolk Refugee Support (SRS) is committed to equal opportunities and to supporting diversity both in the provision of services and as an employer. We aim to treat people fairly and equitably regardless of who they are, their background or their lifestyle. The seriousness of this commitment is reflected in SRS’s adopting Equality and Diversity as one of its main policies.

Equality of opportunity for all sections of our community is an essential part of the functions of SRS. This means recognising the inequalities, which people suffer, and taking action to reduce them. SRS recognises that refugees and asylum seekers are a particularly vulnerable group and may experience prejudice and discrimination to a greater degree than other marginalised groups. SRS’s commitment to a fair deal for refugees and asylum seekers is in recognition of this and we are determined to ensure that they really are able to take their full place in society.

This commitment is integral to the provision of service and to the employment conditions of each member of staff and volunteer. We expect both staff and volunteers to promote equality in the workplace and to deliver our service with sensitivity. Our Equality and Diversity Policy and Code of Conduct require that SRS recognises and respects cultural and religious diversity andaims to ensure that service users, volunteers and staff are neither victims nor perpetrators of discriminatory, abusive, sexist or racist language or behaviour.We will endeavour to deliver services in a way that genuinely recognises the importance of an inclusive society which brings opportunities and access, not barriers, to individuals.

In essence, this means that no job applicant, employee, volunteer, trustee, member or service user should receive less favourable treatment on the grounds of race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, sex, marital or civil partnership status, caring responsibility, sexual orientation, age, physical, sensory or learning disability, mental health, religious beliefs, class, HIV status, employment status, unrelated criminal convictions or union activities (henceforth referred to as “protected characteristics” in this Policy).

Revised April 2015

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