Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
DVACT-PAI believes that everyone should be treated fairly, with dignity and respect.
We want to create an environment where everyone feels welcome, valued and included. We are committed to treating people fairly, whatever their background, identity, beliefs or personal circumstances.
We recognise that people have different needs and experiences. We will listen to people, respect their differences and make reasonable efforts to remove barriers that prevent them from accessing our services.
Our Commitment
We want everyone who comes into contact with DVACT-PAI to feel respected, listened to and treated fairly.
We recognise that people have different experiences and needs.
We are committed to learning, improving and making our organisation as fair, accessible and inclusive as possible.
Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity, fairness and respect.
What Do Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Mean?
These words are sometimes used together, but they each have a different meaning.
Equality means treating people fairly and making sure everyone has a fair opportunity to access our services and take part in our work.
Diversity means recognising and respecting the differences between people. This includes differences in background, culture, identity, experiences and beliefs.
Inclusion means making sure people feel welcome, respected and able to take part, without unnecessary barriers.
We understand that treating everyone fairly does not always mean treating everyone in exactly the same way. Some people may need additional support or reasonable adjustments to have an equal opportunity.
Who Does This Policy Apply To?
This policy applies to everyone who comes into contact with our organisation, including:
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Parents and families who use our services.
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Children and young people affected by our work.
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Professionals who refer people to us.
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Social workers, solicitors and other organisations we work with.
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Applicants and members of our professional register.
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Employees, directors and board members.
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Contractors, consultants and volunteers.
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Members of the public.
We expect everyone working with or representing our organisation to treat others fairly and with respect.
Protected Characteristics and How We Treat People
The Equality Act 2010 protects people from discrimination because of certain personal characteristics.
These are called protected characteristics:
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Age.
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Disability.
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Gender reassignment.
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Marriage and civil partnership.
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Pregnancy and maternity.
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Race, including colour, nationality and ethnic or national origins.
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Religion or belief.
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Sex.
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Sexual orientation.
We are committed to respecting people's rights and avoiding unlawful discrimination because of these characteristics. We also recognise that people may experience unfair treatment because of other circumstances, such as their social background, caring responsibilities, financial circumstances or experiences of domestic abuse.
We will consider people's individual circumstances and needs wherever possible.
We will:
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Treat everyone with courtesy, dignity and respect.
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Listen to people's views and experiences.
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Avoid making assumptions about people.
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Respect different backgrounds, cultures and beliefs.
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Use language that is respectful and appropriate.
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Provide information in a way people can understand.
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Consider reasonable adjustments where needed.
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Challenge discrimination, bullying and harassment.
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Make decisions fairly and consistently.
We will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, victimisation or bullying.
Equality in Our Services
We provide specialist assessments and programmes for parents and families where domestic abuse may be a concern.
We recognise that people may have different experiences, needs and circumstances.
We will aim to make sure that our services are fair, respectful and accessible.
This means we will:
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Treat people as individuals.
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Consider disability, communication needs and other relevant circumstances.
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Avoid making assumptions based on someone's background or identity.
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Consider reasonable adjustments to help people take part.
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Communicate clearly and respectfully.
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Make decisions based on relevant information and evidence.
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Treat people consistently and fairly.
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Consider the safety and wellbeing of children and adults.
We recognise that domestic abuse can affect people in different ways. We will be sensitive to individual experiences and will not make assumptions about someone's circumstances.
Our commitment to equality does not remove our responsibility to consider risks, safeguarding concerns or the safety of children and adults.
Equality in Our Register
As an organisation operating a Voluntary Register, we have a responsibility to make sure our registration processes are fair, transparent and free from unlawful discrimination.
We will aim to make sure that:
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Everyone has fair access to information about joining the register.
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Registration requirements are clear and consistently applied.
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Applications are considered fairly and on their individual merits.
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Decisions are based on relevant evidence and published requirements.
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Applicants are not unfairly disadvantaged because of a protected characteristic.
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Reasonable adjustments are considered where appropriate.
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Complaints and concerns are handled fairly.
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Registered professionals understand their responsibilities to treat others with dignity and respect.
Our priority is public protection. We will make registration and professional conduct decisions based on the relevant standards, evidence and risks, while meeting our equality and legal responsibilities.
Discrimination, Bullying and Harassment
We do not accept behaviour that makes someone feel threatened, humiliated, excluded or unfairly treated.
This includes:
Discrimination: Treating someone unfairly because of a protected characteristic.
Harassment: Unwanted behaviour related to a protected characteristic that violates someone's dignity or creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment.
Victimisation: Treating someone unfairly because they have raised a concern about discrimination or supported someone else who has done so.
Bullying: Behaviour that intimidates, undermines or humiliates another person.
We will take concerns about discrimination, bullying and harassment seriously and respond appropriately.
Our Responsibilities
Everyone working for or representing our organisation has a responsibility to support equality, diversity and inclusion.
Our directors and management team are responsible for making sure that this policy is followed and that equality is considered when making decisions.
We will encourage everyone working with us to:
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Treat people fairly.
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Respect individual differences.
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Challenge inappropriate behaviour.
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Consider accessibility and individual needs.
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Help create a safe and inclusive environment.
Raising a Concern or Making a Complaint
If you believe you have been treated unfairly, discriminated against or excluded, we want to hear from you.
You can contact us to raise a concern or make a complaint.
We will:
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Listen to your concerns.
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Treat you with respect.
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Take your concerns seriously.
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Handle information sensitively.
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Consider the circumstances fairly.
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Explain what action we can take.
You will not be treated unfairly for raising a concern in good faith.
Please contact:
Name: Claire Verney
Email: claireverney.pai@dvact.org
Telephone: 0203 9678368
You can also use the feedback form below.
Concern about Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Use this form to submit any concerns you may have.
You can also call or email us using the contact information below:
T: 0203 9678368