Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Policy

INTRODUCTION

The All-Sufficient Sanctuary is fully committed to the promotion of equality of opportunity, valuing and embracing diversity and ensuring a holistic and inclusive approach in all fields of its activity.

At RCCG we are proud to support equality, diversity and inclusion in our church, local community and in society more widely. We are determined to make sure this is reflected in our workforce, and are committed to preventing unlawful and unfair discrimination of any kind.
The Church adheres to The Equality Act 2010 which recognises the following specific protected characteristics: gender, gender reassignment, race, disability, age, religion or belief, sexual orientation, marriage & civil partnership and pregnancy & maternity.

Equality, diversity and inclusion is central to the mission of the RCCG.

Equality is about removing prejudice and barriers, and making sure all people have fair and equal opportunities.

Diversity is about respecting and valuing people’s differences and treating them in an appropriate way.

Inclusion is about making sure that people feel comfortable to be themselves, and feeling that they belong.

SCOPE

In accordance with the Church’s commitment to issues relating to equality, diversity and inclusion all its members and workers, have a duty to act in accordance with this Policy, creating an environment free from discrimination.

AIM

The aim of this policy is to provide a framework of equality, diversity and inclusion in the church’s values:

• To ensure equality, diversity and inclusion are fully reflected in its employment practices and procedures.

• To ensure that it is compliant with the statutory employment duties under the Equality Act 2010.

• To ensure employment policies and procedures are monitored and reviewed so that they do not operate against its Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy.

• To ensure it attracts and retains a diverse workforce through appropriate recruitment and selection methods except in a matter of:

1. Occupational Requirement - in the light of the RCCG Christian purpose and ethos it reserves the right to exercise legal exemptions under the Equality Act 2010 where it is declared that a Christian faith is integral to the work and requires membership of the RCCG or another recognised church;

2. Offending background - in any case where the criminal record history relates to the requirements of the post.

DEFINITIONS

1. Discrimination:

(a) 'Direct Discrimination' is where a person is treated less favourably than another not on the merits of the case but on grounds of a protected characteristic.

(b) ‘Discrimination by association’ occurs where a person is directly discriminated against by association with another individual who has a protected characteristic.

(c) ‘Discrimination by perception’ is where a person is directly discriminated against based on a perception that the person has a particular protected characteristic even if the person does not actually possess that protected characteristic.

(d) 'Indirect Discrimination' occurs when a provision, practice or a criterion that applies to everyone but particularly disadvantages people who share a protected characteristic. Although equally applicable to all possible applicants, this may nevertheless be discriminatory because:

(i) The number of persons of the same personal status who can comply with the requirement is considerably smaller than the number who cannot; and

(ii) The requirement cannot be shown to be justifiable.

2. ‘Harassment’ is unwanted conduct related to a protected characteristic, which has the effect of violating an individual’s dignity. There are three types:

(a) Harassment related to a protected characteristic

(b) Sexual harassment

(c) Less favourable treatment of a worker because they submit to or reject sexual harassment or harassment related to sex or gender reassignment

3. ‘Victimisation’ occurs when an individual is treated badly or has suffered a detriment because they have made or supported a complaint or raised a grievance.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILIITES

All ministers are responsible for promoting equality, diversity and inclusion and conducting themselves in accordance with this policy. Particular responsibility lies with the Line Manager and senior officers within the employing body.

The Pastorate will:

• Ensure that its commitment is communicated to all employees and ministers fairly and responsibly including potential employees and ministers, users of its services, and all those working for, or on behalf of, or providing a service to the Church including consultants, volunteers etc.
• Lead by example, encouraging equality, diversity and inclusion internally and externally.
• Be responsible for creating a climate where the differences that individuals bring are valued.
• Embed equality, diversity and inclusion in decision-making processes.

All employees and volunteers will:

• Ensure that equality, diversity and inclusion is taken into account in undertaking their work to serve the Church.
• Be aware of their responsibilities, report inappropriate behavior, and raise any incident that breach this policy and procedure with the Pastor or Church Secretary.
• Familiarise themselves with this policy and procedure, ensuring that their practices are consistent with its contents.
• Undertake equality, diversity & inclusion training.
Complaints
If any employee or minister believes that he/she has been subject to discrimination under this Policy, then he/she is encouraged to raise the matter with the Church Secretary or the Pastor.

We take all complaints of bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination by fellow employees, visitors and the public in the course of our work extremely seriously.

Allegations regarding potential breaches of this Policy will be treated in the strictest confidence and investigated in accordance with the Grievance procedure. Employees or ministers who make such allegations in good faith will not be victimised or treated less favourably as a result. False allegations, which are found to have been made in bad faith will, however, be dealt with under the Disciplinary procedure.

Any employee who is found to have committed an act of discrimination will be subject to disciplinary action. Such behaviour may constitute gross misconduct and, as such, may result in summary dismissal.

Review
• This policy will be reviewed on a regular basis and amended appropriately.