Equal Opportunities Policy

Malpas Village Hall Trust

Equal Opportunities Policy

Statement of Intent

The Malpas Village Hall Trust opposes all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination. The purpose of this policy is to ensure all those living in Malpas and all those qualifying as beneficiaries of the Village Hall Trust , as defined by the Trust Deed, will receive equal opportunities in the use of and access to the Village Hall, and in the management of the Village Hall Trust ’s affairs.

The policy applies to all beneficiaries, committee members and volunteers, irrespective of, for example, their gender or gender reassignment, nationality, race or colour, ethnic or national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, religion, creed or faith, marital status or social class, and subject only to the Charity’s Trust Deed that Trustees must be over 18 years of age.

Trustees and users of the Village Hall are required to actively comply with this policy as are employees or persons seeking employment with the Village Hall Trust . Employees will be treated fairly and equally according to this policy.

The Trust will aim to promote an inclusive village community in which people feel they are appreciated and valued and treated with equal worth and importance. At the same time, the Trust recognises that inequality of opportunity exists and will work sensitively to promote an inclusive village community.

Equal Opportunities Policy

Users of Malpas Village Hall

Beneficiaries of the Village Hall Trust  will have equal rights  of access to, and use of the facilities provided by the Trust, which will act at all times without prejudice, favour, or discrimination in deciding on requests for use and hire of facilities. Physical constraints on access for the disabled will as far as the Village Hall Trust is able, be removed or mitigated as far as is reasonably possible.

Employees of Malpas Village Hall Trust

Employees will receive equal opportunities in both their selection, and conditions of their remuneration. Any intimidation, bullying, prejudice or harassment against any employee will not be tolerated. Employees will be expected to apply this policy in all aspects of their employment and will be given training in its application.

 

Suppliers of Goods and Services to Malpas Village Hall Trust

In considering tenders for the supplies of goods and services, the Trust will make its decision purely on the basis of economic, specification, performance and timescale considerations, and contracts for goods and services will not impose prejudicial or discriminatory conditions on suppliers.

Election of Trustees and Officers of Malpas Village Hall Trust

The election of Trustees and Members of the Management Committee of the Trust, will be open and conducted without prejudice, favour or discrimination.

The Trustees Commitment towards the Policy

The policy is fully supported by the Malpas Village Hall Trustees Management Committee, who will take seriously any breaches of this policy. The Trustees will carry out an annual audit of the physical access requirements for its facilities, and will regularly review the Equal Opportunities Policy to ensure its application is in line with current legal requirements, as referenced below.

Dispute Procedure

Breach of Policy against an Individual

Any person or group claiming a breach of this Equal Opportunities Policy must supply the details in writing to the Chair of Trustees, who will place the matter on the Agenda for the next Trustees Meeting. The Trustees, taking into account all the evidence presented, will decide by a majority vote whether a breach of the policy has occurred, giving their reasons if the claim is not upheld.

The person or group making a claim of discrimination will be advised of the date and time of the meeting and will be invited to attend, and may speak in support of the claim if they wish.

In the event the claim is upheld, the Trust will correct the matter as soon as possible. It will monitor the status of the corrective action at each Committee meeting until the problem is resolved. The person or group making the claim will be notified as soon as the action is cleared.

Breach of Policy by a Trustee or Employee

Any incidence of a Trustee or Employee behaving in any way that is deemed to contravene the requirements of the Policy will invoke the Trust’s Disciplinary Procedure. Such conduct can constitute gross misconduct and in the most serious case could result in summary dismissal.

Legal References

This policy will be implemented within the framework of the relevant legislation at the time which includes:

Equal Pay Act 1970

Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974

Sex Discrimination Act 1975

Gender Reassignment Regulations 1999

Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000

Disability Discrimination Act 1995

The Protection from Harassment Act 1997

The Human Rights Act 1998

The Employment Equality Regulations 2003

Age Discrimination Act 2006

 

Signed on behalf of the Malpas Hall Village Trust

Chair:

 

August 2013

Review date – August 2014