Equality and Diversity Policy

Aim

Inform aims to conduct its work in an atmosphere of friendship, respect and care for all staff, interns, Governors, visitors, and those accessing its services. In particular, we aim to treat every individual equally, regardless of their age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

Accessibility

Our office is fully accessible to wheelchair users. When a member of staff, intern, visitor or member of the public requires special assistance e.g. a signer, we will provide this.

Diversity

Where possible Inform will design its outputs (e.g. reports) in a way so as to meet the needs of the widest wide variety of people. We are always open to new ideas, and particularly prioritise opportunities for academics, non-academic staff and external stakeholders to share their knowledge with one another.

Inclusion and respect

Every staff member, intern, Governor, visitor or service user should be made to feel equally welcome and included in Inform’s work. Sexist, racist, homophobic, transphobic or otherwise offensive and inflammatory remarks and behaviour are not acceptable. These constitute harassment, and have no place at Inform.

Dealing with discrimination and harassment

If any person feels they have been discriminated against by Inform or harassed in the course of Inform’s work, they should raise this with the Director. The Director will investigate the complaint, listening to all parties. (If the complaint is against a staff member or Governor, that individual will not be part of conducting the investigation).

If the complaint is against a particular individual, this person will have the opportunity to express their point of view, accompanied by a friend. The person making the complaint will also have this opportunity. If the complaint is against Inform as a whole, the Director will work to ensure that such discrimination is not repeated in the future.

Any decision to discipline a staff member, intern or Governor due to discriminatory or harassing behaviour will be made with reference to the Staff Handbook. Inform will support people who feel they have been harassed or discriminated against, and will not victimise or treat them less well because they have raised this.