Equality and Diversity Policy
Introduction
This document sets out Ascham Homes‘ policy on equality and diversity. It is a statement of how we will make equality and diversity central to the way we determine policies and deliver services. The equality and diversity scheme and the diversity action plan, which are appended to this policy, demonstrate the steps we will take to deliver our commitments.
Quality means equality and there is no equality without diversity in the services we plan and provide, and in the staff we employ to provide those services. We cannot achieve our aim of providing good quality services unless we take into consideration the diverse needs of all sections of our diverse communities. We are committed to working with our workforce, partners and with tenants and leaseholders of Waltham Forest, to develop and deliver high quality services.
Ascham Homes opposes all forms of discrimination on the grounds of age, disability, gender, race, religion or sexual orientation. We recognise that discrimination creates barriers to achieving equality for all people.
This policy is central to achieving Ascham Homes’ mission, which is:
‘To ensure that residents have an excellent housing experience by providing one of the best housing services in London’
Our commitments
When we make plans and policies, we will:-
- Design our services to meet the diverse needs of all our communities;
- Ensure that plans and policies do not negatively discriminate against particular groups
- Make sure all staff, customers, community groups, contractors and other partners are aware of our equality policy.
When we work in partnership we will:-
- Publicise this equality and diversity policy widely and positively;
- Encourage the involvement of Waltham Forest’s diverse tenants and leaseholders in decision making and developing services;
- Actively consult with all sections of the community of Waltham Forest.
When we deliver services we will:-
- Ensure that our services are relevant to the people of Waltham Forest and take into account different needs;
- Make sure that our staff and others who provide services on our behalf treat every individual with respect;
- Provide information about services that is clear, accurate and accessible to all;
- Treat all customers positively, regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion or sexual orientation;
- Respond seriously to, and investigate, complaints of bullying, harassment, discrimination or victimisation.
As an employer we will:
- Recruit and retain a workforce that reflects the expertise and diversity of our community;
- Welcome the special knowledge and skills that a diverse workforce contributes to Ascham Homes;
- Provide equal access to training and development for all our staff
- Listen to staff ideas and suggestions for improving services and ways of working.
How we will make sure this happens:
- Board Members will promote Ascham Homes’ commitment to equality and diversity and ensure adequate resources are made available;
- Executive Management Team will be responsible for the overall management and direction of our equality and diversity commitments;
- The Diversity Group will oversee this policy and monitor how far we are achieving our commitments;
- Human Resources Team and the Diversity Group will advise and support equality and diversity work throughout the company;
- Managers will make sure equality and diversity issues are core to service delivery and staff management;
- All employees will ensure that they are aware of this policy and take responsibility to promote equality and diversity and challenge discrimination.
Related Documents
This document shows the detailed actions we will take to deliver our commitment to diversity and equality (303 KB)
This document lays out how Ascham Homes will continuously promote equality in Waltham Forest, in partnership with our communities (201 KB)
This document outlines our policy commitment to the promotion of diversity and equality and how we will achieve this (51.3 KB)