Diversity & Equal Opportunities

We believe that everyone has a contribution to make to our community and has a right to equal treatment. Nevertheless, we recognise that discrimination exists throughout society against individuals and groups on the basis of (amongst other criteria) colour, race, gender, disability, religion, age or sexual orientation.

In our work, we will therefore try to ensure that no current or potential member of staff, volunteer, or service user will experience discrimination as a result of our activities, attitudes or policies. Where evidence of discrimination is found, the Management Committee will take action. We will seek to extend our knowledge and understanding of different cultures and lifestyles and to avoid stereotyping wherever possible. We understand, however, that past crimes, may exclude some individuals from taking part in certain activities (e.g. work with children).

In practice we aim to improve access to service users, volunteers and staff and to monitor our recruitment and treatment of staff and volunteers with particular reference to equality of opportunity.

We will promote the issue of equal opportunities throughout the voluntary sector in Mid Devon and within those statutory organisations using volunteers.

We appreciate that this statement is neither definitive nor exhaustive.