Equality & Access Policy
Equal Opportunities Statement
Newquay Activity Centre (NAC) is a multi-activity provider based in Newquay, Cornwall.
This document sets out NAC’s policy on equality, diversity and access for staff, volunteers, and those who use or experience our services. The aim of this policy is to ensure that all employees, potential employees, volunteers, participants, clients and customers are treated fairly and equitably regardless of age, disability, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, colour, ethnic background, nationality, religion or belief, sex, gender reassignment, or sexual orientation.
We value the different experiences, needs and contributions that a diverse workforce and customer base bring, and we are committed to building a team, client base and programme of activities that reflect the diversity of the communities we serve.
NAC places an obligation on all staff, volunteers, and suppliers to respect and act in accordance with this policy.
NAC will implement this policy by promoting equality of opportunity for all staff and clients as a basic principle and will take such action, as far as is reasonably practicable and lawful, as is appropriate and necessary to support fair treatment and equal access to our services.
Equal Opportunities Policy
NAC is committed to equality of opportunity in policy and practice and will ensure that all staff and service users, both current and potential, are treated fairly and as individuals regardless of age, disability, ethnic or national origin, sex, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, gender reassignment, or sexual orientation.
In implementing this policy, NAC Ltd will take account of relevant equality legislation, including the Equality Act 2010 and any associated legislation, regulations, or amendments in force from time to time.
This Equality & Access Policy applies across all aspects of the organisation’s work, including:
- the appointment of management, staff and volunteers
- all dealings with clients, participants, customers and members of the public
- the planning, promotion and delivery of activities, services and communications
Management
NAC Ltd will aim to ensure that the management of the organisation reflects the communities it serves as far as reasonably practicable. The Director and all staff are responsible for ensuring that this policy is properly implemented, monitored and reviewed.
Staff
NAC Ltd will ensure that no member of staff receives less favourable treatment than another on the grounds of age, disability, ethnic origin, race, religion or belief, sex, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, gender reassignment, or sexual orientation.
NAC Ltd is committed to open, fair and transparent recruitment and selection procedures. All vacancies for staff will be advertised where appropriate and equitable processes will be followed throughout recruitment, appointment and progression.
Volunteer helpers will be made aware of this policy and are expected to act in accordance with it.
Clients And Access
The nature and range of activities provided by NAC mean that some activities may be physically demanding or may not be suitable for every individual. However, NAC aims to make its services accessible to as wide a range of clients as possible and, in order to achieve this, will take reasonable steps to remove barriers that prevent potential participants, customers, clients or users from accessing the organisation’s activities.
This will include, where reasonably practicable:
- seeking to use venues and locations that are accessible to disabled people
- considering reasonable adjustments, support, or alternative arrangements to enable disabled people to participate as fully as possible in activities, where safe and practicable
- ensuring that publicity and information materials take account of accessibility needs in relation to print, format and access to information where reasonably possible
NAC Ltd will treat everybody fairly and will not unlawfully discriminate against any person on the basis of:
- age
- disability
- race, colour, ethnic or national origin, or nationality
- religion or belief
- sex
- marriage or civil partnership
- pregnancy or maternity
- gender reassignment
- sexual orientation
NAC also aims to treat people fairly and respectfully in relation to wider circumstances that may affect access to services, including communication needs, literacy, income or social background, caring responsibilities, and other practical barriers to participation, where it is reasonable and lawful to do so.
NAC recognises that some individuals may require additional support to access activities and services. We will consider reasonable adjustments and practical solutions on a case-by-case basis in order to support access wherever possible and reasonably practicable, while taking account of health and safety, the nature of the activity, and operational requirements.
Review
This policy will be reviewed periodically to ensure it remains relevant, lawful, and effective, and continues to reflect the organisation’s commitment to equality, diversity and access.