Equal Opportunities Policy

Introduction

The Association accepts that, in society, certain groups/individuals have been treated unfairly. The reasons include ethnic origin, sex, race, nationality, marital status, sexual orientation, age, disability and religion. This policy is designed to ensure that all individuals, both inside and outside the organisation, are aware of the Association's determination that all individuals/groups are given an equal opportunity, both in housing, employment and in all other matters.

The composition of the Board should reflect the communities that it serves.

Employment

The Association's Board will constantly review its personnel policies and procedures to ensure that all applications for employment are considered in a manner which avoids unfair discrimination. Job descriptions, person specifications and qualifications' criteria will not be unnecessarily restrictive.

Vacant posts will be advertised internally and externally simultaneously and the following statement will be included: "Cardiff Community Housing Association Limited is an Equal Opportunities Employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community".

Housing

The Association's aim is to allocate its housing to those in the greatest need. All applications and allocations are monitored by the Association's Board to ensure that no discrimination has taken place.

The Association will conform to the Commission for Racial Equality's Race Relations' Housing Code of Practice and will ensure that its services are available to all members of the community.

All Housing Management policies will be reviewed on a regular basis to ensure that they continue to comply with the Association's commitment to equal opportunities.

All tenants are required to comply with the Association's Racial Harassment Policy, a copy of which can be obtained from the Housing Management staff.

The Association will make publicly available a grievance procedure so that any person who feels that they have been treated unfairly is able to take action to resolve matters.

General

The Association will ensure that publications are designed to reach all groups in the communities within which it operates.

The Association's Corporate Plan should continually ensure that its commitment to equal opportunities is reflected in all future objectives. Special consideration will be given to ensure the Association's offices are accessible to all persons.

Consultants, contractors and other organisations who work for the Association will be expected to share its commitment to equal opportunities.

Conclusions

This equal opportunities policy has been adopted by the Association which will regularly monitor its working practices to ensure that it treats all individuals/groups in an equal and fair manner.

Although the Board has ultimate responsibility for the implementation of this policy, this is delegated to the Chief Executive on a day-to-day basis. The Human Resources Manager will regularly monitor the Association's compliance with this policy and report to the Chief Executive any matters requiring attention, who will then report to the Board.

All employees are expected to support the implementation of this policy and disciplinary action will be taken against any member of staff acting in a discriminatory manner.

If the Association is accused of being discriminatory, this will be considered by the Board who will decide what further action is required.