WC - Equality Policy Statement

Question 1

Who does the “Equality Policy Statement” apply to?

Answer 1

This policy applies to every member of staff within The Westshire Centre when dealing with colleagues and customers.

Question 2

What is the basis of the Equality Policy?

Answer 2

It is the policy of The Westshire Centre that no member of staff or customer should be

1) unlawfully discriminated against

or

2) harassed

Question 3

Discrimination - what things are listed in the Equality Policy under this section? i.e. treating a person less favourably because of …

Answer 3

Discrimination includes treating a person less favourably because of

1) age
2) sex
3) sexual orientation
4) gender reassignment
5) race
6) religion or belief
7) disability
8) marriage and civil partnership
9) pregnancy and maternity.

Question 4

What is harassment?

Answer 4

Harassment includes any unwanted conduct (including words, behaviour or a combination of both) directed at a person which has the purpose or effect of violating a person’s dignity, or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment.

Question 5

Full harassment definition

Answer 5

Harassment includes any unwanted conduct (including words, behaviour or a combination of both) directed at a person on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, race or disability and which has the purpose or effect of violating a person’s dignity, or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment.

Question 6

What is the Westshire Centre position on discrimination or harassment? (as found in the Equality Policy)

Answer 6

The Westshire Centre will not tolerate discrimination or harassment of any kind and takes all necessary steps to eliminate discrimination, harassment, victimisation and any other conduct that is prohibited by law and to advance equality of opportunity. We regularly review and monitor all of our practices and procedures.

Question 7

Equality Policy - what should a staff member do (overview, bullet points to follow in next question)

Answer 7

Any person who believes that a member of staff is discriminating against or harassing a colleague or customer should take action as quickly as possible.

Question 8

Equality Policy - what should a staff member do if they believe a member of staff is discriminating against or harassing a colleague or customer?

POINT A

Answer 8

A - Ask the person to stop. (In some cases people may not be aware of the effects of their behaviour.)

Question 9

Equality Policy - what should a staff member do if they believe a member of staff is discriminating against or harassing a colleague or customer?

POINT B

Answer 9

B - Discuss the problem with an appropriate person. If you are not sure about what to do, whether the behaviour could be classed as discrimination or harassment, or whether you should make a complaint, you can get advice from a Customer Services Officer or your manager.

Question 10

Equality Policy - what should a staff member do if they believe a member of staff is discriminating against or harassing a colleague or customer?

POINT C

Answer 10

C - Make a formal complaint. You can complain in writing to the Centre Manager. The Centre Manager will then investigate your complaint and take appropriate action.

Question 11

Equality Policy - what should a staff member do if they believe a member of staff is discriminating against or harassing a colleague or customer?

FULL A/B/C

Answer 11

a - Ask the person to stop. (In some cases people may not be aware of the effects of their behaviour.)

b - Discuss the problem with an appropriate person. If you are not sure about what to do, whether the behaviour could be classed as discrimination or harassment, or whether you should make a complaint, you can get advice from a Customer Services Officer or your manager.

c - Make a formal complaint. You can complain in writing to the Centre Manager. The Centre Manager will then investigate your complaint and take appropriate action.