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Equality & Equal Opportunities Policy
Respect. Inclusion. Dignity. Opportunity.
Our commitment to fairness, equality and creating a welcoming community where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.
Policy Information
Organisation: Khushamdid
Registered Charity Number: 1112396
Responsible Body: Board of Trustees
Adoption Date: To be confirmed by the Board of Trustees
Review Date: 12 months after formal adoption
Contact: khushamdid.org (Contact Us page)
Purpose
Khushamdid is committed to promoting equality, diversity, inclusion and fair treatment in all aspects of its charitable work.
As a registered charity serving communities in Tameside, with a particular focus on improving the health, education and wellbeing of Asian women, especially those of Pakistani heritage, we aim to create a welcoming and respectful environment where beneficiaries can participate with dignity and confidence.
We will not unlawfully discriminate against any person and will seek to identify and reduce unreasonable barriers to participation.
This policy applies to trustees, staff, volunteers, contractors, participants, beneficiaries and anyone acting on behalf of or engaging with Khushamdid.
Our Commitment
Khushamdid is committed to creating an inclusive, supportive and culturally respectful environment in which individuals are valued and treated fairly.
We will seek to:
- Provide fair and inclusive access to our charitable activities and services, subject to lawful eligibility criteria.
- Treat everyone with dignity, courtesy and respect.
- Promote equality of opportunity and community participation.
- Challenge unlawful discrimination, harassment, bullying and victimisation.
- Make reasonable adjustments where required for disabled people.
- Recognise and respond to the cultural, linguistic and social needs of our beneficiaries.
- Support women experiencing isolation, disadvantage or barriers to participation.
- Make decisions fairly, consistently and objectively.
Equality Act 2010
Khushamdid will seek to operate in accordance with the Equality Act 2010 and other applicable equality legislation.
We will not unlawfully discriminate on the grounds of any protected characteristic, including:
- Age
- Disability
- Gender reassignment
- Marriage or civil partnership
- Pregnancy or maternity
- Race, including colour, nationality and ethnic or national origin
- Religion or belief
- Sex
- Sexual orientation
These are the nine protected characteristics recognised under the Equality Act 2010.
Khushamdid recognises that equality does not always mean treating everyone identically. Different needs and circumstances may require appropriate support or lawful measures to address disadvantage.
Access to Our Services and Activities
Khushamdid provides community-focused programmes designed to improve social inclusion, education, health and wellbeing.
These include:
- Weekly luncheon club and social gatherings for older women.
- Mental health and emotional wellbeing activities.
- Healthy living, exercise and recreational programmes.
- Cultural events, community activities and organised trips.
- Information, advice and guidance relating to welfare benefits, housing, healthcare and social services.
- Educational opportunities, including ESOL, First Aid, Food Hygiene and other personal development courses.
Some activities are specifically designed to meet the identified needs of Asian women, particularly older women of Pakistani heritage living in Tameside.
Where programmes have particular eligibility criteria, Khushamdid will ensure that these are based on legitimate charitable objectives, identified community needs and applicable equality law.
Any restrictions based on sex, age, ethnicity or another protected characteristic must have a lawful basis and be applied fairly and proportionately where required.
Disability and Reasonable Adjustments
Khushamdid recognises that disabled people may experience additional barriers when accessing community activities and services.
We will take reasonable steps to improve accessibility and consider appropriate adjustments, including:
- Accessibility and suitability of venues.
- Physical access and mobility requirements.
- Appropriate seating and facilities.
- Communication and language support.
- Alternative ways of providing information.
- Adjustments to activities where reasonably practicable.
Participants are encouraged to inform us of any reasonable adjustments they may require.
Requests will be considered sensitively, taking account of individual circumstances, legal duties, safety and the nature of the activity.
Recruitment and Volunteering
Khushamdid values the contribution of volunteers, staff and trustees in delivering its charitable objectives.
Recruitment and selection decisions will be based on relevant skills, experience, suitability, role requirements and applicable safeguarding considerations.
We will seek to ensure that:
- Opportunities are communicated fairly.
- Applicants are treated with dignity and respect.
- Selection decisions are free from unlawful discrimination.
- Training and development opportunities are accessible where appropriate.
- Reasonable adjustments are considered for disabled applicants and volunteers.
Where lawful positive action may help address disadvantage or under-representation, Khushamdid may consider appropriate measures.
Harassment, Bullying and Victimisation
Khushamdid does not tolerate bullying, intimidation, unlawful harassment, discrimination or victimisation within its charitable activities.
Trustees, staff, volunteers and others representing the charity are expected to maintain appropriate standards of conduct.
We expect everyone involved with Khushamdid to:
- Communicate respectfully.
- Respect personal dignity and individual differences.
- Avoid discriminatory or offensive behaviour.
- Raise serious concerns through appropriate channels.
- Support a safe and welcoming environment.
Reports of inappropriate behaviour will be considered seriously and addressed fairly and sensitively.
Community Inclusion and Social Wellbeing
Khushamdid recognises that women from minority ethnic communities may experience barriers to participation arising from language, social isolation, cultural circumstances, poverty, disability, health difficulties or lack of confidence.
Our charitable activities seek to reduce these barriers by providing opportunities for friendship, learning, personal development and community engagement.
We will seek to:
- Reduce loneliness and social isolation.
- Encourage participation in community life.
- Build confidence and independence.
- Support intergenerational understanding where appropriate.
- Promote positive relationships across communities.
- Create welcoming environments where women can share experiences and develop friendships.
Our aim is to help beneficiaries feel included, respected and empowered.
Religious, Cultural and Linguistic Respect
Khushamdid recognises and respects the religious beliefs, non-religious beliefs, languages and cultural backgrounds of the communities it serves.
We acknowledge that cultural understanding can play an important role in helping women feel comfortable and confident when participating in community activities.
Where reasonably practicable and appropriate, we may consider:
- Cultural sensitivities and preferences.
- Religious observances and dietary requirements.
- Language and communication needs.
- Privacy and dignity.
- Suitable arrangements for women-focused activities.
Such arrangements will be considered in accordance with applicable equality law, the charity’s objectives and the safety and wellbeing of participants.
No person should experience unlawful discrimination because of their religion, belief or cultural background.
Complaints and Concerns
Anyone who believes they have experienced discrimination, harassment, unfair treatment or inappropriate exclusion in connection with Khushamdid may raise a concern.
Complaints should be addressed to:
Khushamdid
Registered Charity Number: 1112396
Website: khushamdid.org
Contact: Through the website’s Contact Us page
All concerns will be considered fairly, sensitively and as confidentially as reasonably possible.
Where appropriate, the matter may be reviewed by a trustee who has not been directly involved in the circumstances of the complaint.
No person should be subjected to retaliation or adverse treatment simply because they have raised a genuine concern in good faith.
Where a concern involves safeguarding, it will be addressed through the charity’s applicable safeguarding procedures.
Responsibilities
The Board of Trustees has overall responsibility for overseeing the implementation of this policy and promoting equality throughout Khushamdid’s activities.
Trustees are responsible for ensuring that equality and inclusion are considered in the charity’s governance and decision-making.
Staff and volunteers are expected to:
- Understand and follow this policy.
- Treat beneficiaries, colleagues and visitors respectfully.
- Avoid unlawful discriminatory behaviour.
- Consider accessibility and individual needs when delivering activities.
- Report serious concerns through appropriate channels.
- Contribute to a positive and inclusive community environment.
Participants and visitors are also expected to respect others when attending Khushamdid activities.
Monitoring and Review
Khushamdid will consider equality, diversity and accessibility when planning, delivering and reviewing its charitable activities.
Where appropriate, we will take account of feedback from beneficiaries, volunteers and community members to identify opportunities for improvement.
This policy will be reviewed at least annually and earlier where:
- Relevant legislation or guidance changes.
- The charity’s activities or services materially change.
- Feedback or experience identifies improvements.
- A significant equality-related concern arises.
- The Board of Trustees considers an earlier review necessary.
Any amendments will be approved through the charity’s governance arrangements.
Policy Approval
Approved on behalf of: Khushamdid
Responsible Body: Board of Trustees
Registered Charity Number: 1112396
Date of Approval: To be confirmed
Next Review: 12 months after adoption