EQUALITY, DIVERSITY & INCLUSION STATEMENT & POLICY

Introduction

The Apricot Centre CIC is a social enterprise (Community Interest Company) undertaking organic/biodynamic horticulture, food preparation, hosting meetings, education / training courses and events provided by third parties.

The Apricot Centre CIC Wellbeing Service provides assessment and specialist therapeutic interventions for children and families, both on site and within the community in appropriate and vetted premises. The wellbeing service also delivers care farm activities for children, schools and families on site at various times of the week.

The following Policies & Procedures are therefore aimed to cover all Apricot Centre activities as well as addressing safeguarding concerns and effective delivery and governance of safe and quality services for vulnerable children and their families.

All Directors, staff and volunteers working for Apricot Centre CIC with any contact with children  or working with vulnerable adults are required to have an up to date DBS.

Apricot Centre CIC

South Devon - Huxhams Cross Farm & Apricot Centre CIC Wellbeing Service - Huxhams Cross Farm, Rattery Lane, Dartington, Totnes. TQ9 6AA. Tel: TBA

info@apricotcentre.co.uk  www.apricotcentre.co.uk  

Introduction

Equality & Diversity Policy

Reviews of Policies

Equality & Diversity Policy

The Apricot Centre CIC values and embraces diversity of all kinds in both our service users and our workforce, which, in our experience, brings a breadth and richness to our work. We are committed to developing awareness of direct and indirect discrimination and prejudice in such areas as; race, class, gender, physical and mental ability, ethnicity, religion, sexuality, sexual orientation, age, and relationship/marital status. Socio-economic diversity and inequalities are also very important pertaining to peoples access to food, housing, leisure, meaningful income etc..

Our core value is expressed as ‘cultivating sustainability in lives, livelihoods and the land’.

The purpose of this policy is to provide equality and fairness for all in our service and employment and not to discriminate on grounds of gender, gender identification, marital status, race, ethnic origin, colour, nationality, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, religion or age. We oppose all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination, and value diversity as essential to individual and collective wellbeing.

Equal Opportunities and the world of therapy
We recognise particular dangers in the world of therapy that external discrimination and its effects  can be attributed wrongly to an individual’s family background or their own internal psychological mechanisms.

Direct and indirect discrimination

We need to clarify that discrimination can be both direct and indirect:

• Direct discrimination takes place when a person is treated less favourably than others (in the same circumstances) on the grounds of race, class, gender, disability, religion, sexuality, age or marital status.
• Indirect discrimination means applying conditions or requirements, which adversely affect one group more than another.

Apricot Centre CIC makes a commitment to raise awareness towards addressing and stopping direct discrimination and to recognise and address indirect discrimination.

Service Users

For those who use the Wellbeing Service and other Apricot Centre services we commit to respond supportively and with respect to individual and group diverse needs, beliefs, relative abilities & capabilities,  and with an understanding of the painfulness and vulnerability of those who have less privileges or rank than others. We aim to make the physical centre and our whole approach accessible and welcoming. We welcome feedback on where we might improve our approach.

Staff Team and Employment

Our aim is that our workforce will be truly representative of all sections of society and that each employee feels respected and able to give of their best. All employees, whether part-time, full-time or temporary, will be treated fairly and with respect. Selection for employment, promotion, training or any other benefit will be on the basis of aptitude, experience (where appropriate) and ability. All employees will be helped and encouraged to develop their full potential and the talents and resources of the workforce will be fully utilised to maximise the efficiency of the organisation.

Our commitment:

• To create an environment in which individual differences, abilities and contributions of all service users and staff are recognised and valued.
• We intend that no job applicant or member of staff will receive less favourable treatment on the grounds of race, class, gender, disability, religion, sexuality, age or marital status.
• Every service user and employee is entitled to an environment that promotes dignity and respect to all.
• No form of intimidation, bullying or harassment will be tolerated.
• Training, development and progression opportunities are available to all staff.
• Equality in the workplace is good management practice and makes sound business sense.
• We will review all our employment practices and procedures to ensure fairness.
• Breaches of our equality policy will be regarded as misconduct and could lead to disciplinary proceedings.
• This policy is fully supported by management.
• The policy will be monitored and reviewed annually.

Reviews of Policies

All of our policies will be reviewed and updated annually (see latest update version details at bottom of each page)

Signed  Date 22nd January 2024

Position  Wellbeing Services Manager

Previous revision date is: 07/12/2022

Last revision date 22/01/2024

Next revision date - January 2025