BSJU Equality Policy
The BSJU's aim is for our membership, staff, and leadership to be truly representative of all sections of society and for our members to feel respected and able to achieve their potential. The BSJU is also committed against unlawful discrimination of members or the public.
The BSJU expects all members, and their school leaders, in the provision of Shuai Jiao to commit to the BSJU Equality Policy Statement which is endorsed by the Executive Board.
Our Equality Policy Statement
The BSJU Equality Policy Statement purpose is:
- to provide equality, fairness and respect for all our members and staff, whether temporary, part-time or full-time
- not to unlawfully discriminate because of the Equality Act 2010 protected characteristics of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race (including colour, nationality, and ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation
- oppose and avoid all forms of unlawful discrimination.
This includes in pay and benefits, terms and conditions of employment, dealing with grievances and discipline, dismissal, redundancy, leave for parents, requests for flexible working, and selection for employment, promotion, training or other developmental opportunities.
Our Commitment
The BSJU Equality Policy Statement commitment is:
- to encourage equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace as they are good practice and make business sense
- to create a working environment free of bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination, promoting dignity and respect for all, and where individual differences and the contributions of all staff are recognised and valued.
This commitment includes training leaders and all other members about their rights and responsibilities under the equality, diversity and inclusion policy. Responsibilities include staff conducting themselves to help the organisation provide equal opportunities in employment, and prevent bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination.
All members should understand they, as well as their school leaders, can be held liable for acts of bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination, in the course of their training, against current or propective members, suppliers, and the public.
The BSJU take seriously complaints of bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination by members, suppliers, visitors, the public and any others in the course of the BSJU’s activities or during BSJU events.
Such acts will be dealt with as misconduct under the
BSJU’s Complaints Policy which sets out policy on grievance and/or disciplinary procedures, and appropriate action will be taken. Particularly serious complaints could amount to misconduct and lead to suspension or termination of membership without notice.
Further, sexual harassment may amount to both an employment rights matter and a criminal matter, such as in sexual assault allegations. In addition, harassment under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 – which is not limited to circumstances where harassment relates to a protected characteristic – is a criminal offence.
The BSJU is committed:
- to make opportunities for training, development and progress available to all staff, who will be helped and encouraged to develop their full potential, so their talents and resources can be fully utilised to maximise the efficiency of the organisation.
- to take decisions concerning staff being based on merit (apart from in any necessary and limited exemptions and exceptions allowed under the Equality Act)
- to review employment practices and procedures when necessary to ensure fairness, and also update them and the policy to take account of changes in the law
- to monitor the make-up of the workforce regarding information such as age, sex, ethnic background, sexual orientation, religion or belief, and disability in encouraging equality, diversity and inclusion, and in meeting the aims and commitments set out in the equality, diversity and inclusion policy.
Monitoring will also include assessing how the equality, diversity and inclusion policy, and any supporting action plan, are working in practice, reviewing them annually, and considering and taking action to address any issues.
The equality, diversity and inclusion policy is fully supported by the BSJU Executive Board.
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