Upload
sophia-morrison
View
230
Download
0
Tags:
Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
Vanessa Boon
Chief Difference-Maker & MD, Energise
How to develop an effective Equality and Diversity Policy
that makes a difference
© Energise, 2015 Twitter @VanessaBoon
Overview
What is an Equality and Diversity Policy?
Why your policy matters
Where are you now?
How to develop a meaningful policy
Building your policy
Implementation - making it real
What is an Equality and Diversity Policy?
Every organisation needs an Equality & Diversity Policy.
It sets out your standards and aspirations about being a fair organisation, representative body, employer, service provider, business and contributor to society.
It also sets out how your organisation intends to meet its legal requirements under the Equality Act 2010.
Why your policy matters
It the sets the tone for your organisation.
It spells out how you will put your values into practice.
It is the first document people will turn to if they wish to know or evaluate your position on equality and diversity.
If an employer does not have or implement a policy that deals with the consequences of discriminatory actions by its employees and other third parties, it may be found to be liable for those actions.
Good reputation
Why does equality and diversity matter to SUs?
Credibility e.g. liberation campaigns, democracy
Liberation
Inclusion
Business
= attract
diverse
custom
Social justice
Set an example to
other organisations
Widening
participation
Where are you now?
What impression does your current policy give about your SU’s commitment to equality and diversity?
Does your policy reflect your aspirations to change the world for the better?
Does your policy reflect the best of your work on liberation?
How would your policy compare with the policy of organisations your members might wish to criticise or lobby for improvements on equality? e.g. University, College, Police, Government, Employers, Contractors, Sponsors
How to develop a meaningful policy
1. Engage stakeholders (people affected by the policy)
2. Gain inspiration (lots of good practice already exists)
3. Build your policy (using helpful building blocks and example wording in the NUS guide)
How to develop a meaningful policy – Engage stakeholders
1. Engage stakeholders – they shape the policy.
Activity:In emotionally expressive, poetic, juicy language:
1. What inequalities do you want to change in the SU/world?
2. Why do you care? Why not just look the other way?
3. In a fair and inclusive world, what would be different?
Other ideas to engage stakeholders?
How to develop a meaningful policy – Build Your Policy
Building Blocks
The guide explains each section heading and what to include with real examples
Policy language
Working with respect and REGARDS so that no-one gets left behind
Race & ethnicityEconomic disadvantageGender & gender identityAgeReligion or beliefDisabilitySexual orientation
Are you working with REGARDS or disREGARDS?
Equality, Diversity, Inclusion, Liberation, Equity, Structural inequalities, Intersections, Unconscious Bias, Zero tolerance….
Implementation
How do you ensure that your policy is put into practice?
Senior champions Clear roles – who is responsible for whatLaunch and communicate the policyDiversity Committee to drive and evaluate progressTraining to equip everyone to implement policyAwareness and learning eventsTargeted projects and campaigns to address needsData monitoring and action to address issuesMystery shoppersGood practice kitemarks, benchmarkingRegular review
> Think of all the things you do on Health & Safety
Summary
Remember the why – the passion to change the world
Bring ambition and juicy language to your policy
Engage stakeholders - they’ll champion the policy they helped to create
Don’t over-complicate it – just Engage, Inspiration, Build
There is a handy guide on the Diversity Hub to help you
Make it real – not just words on paper