Blueprint is committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of our work. We value the diversity of individuals and believe that everyone should be treated with respect, fairness, and dignity. This policy outlines our commitment to upholding the principles of equality and ensuring compliance with the Equality Act 2010.

1. Purpose and Scope

1.1 This policy aims to ensure that all individuals, including employees, volunteers, participants, and stakeholders, are treated fairly and without discrimination based on protected characteristics as defined by the Equality Act 2010, which includes age, disability, gender, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.

1.2 This policy applies to all areas of our organization, including recruitment and selection, employment practices, service delivery, partnerships, decision-making processes, and interactions with the community.

2. Responsibilities

2.1 The Executive Director/CEO and the Board of Directors are responsible for ensuring the effective implementation and compliance of this policy.

2.2 All employees, volunteers, and stakeholders are responsible for promoting equality, diversity and inclusion; treating others with respect, and reporting any discriminatory behavior or concerns to the appropriate channels.

2.3 Blueprint acknowledges the intersectionality of protected characteristics as well as the impact of poverty and ACEs (adverse childhood experiences) on social inclusion.

3. Anti-Discrimination and positive promotion of Equality of Opportunity

3.1 We are committed to actively providing an inclusive and supportive environment where all individuals are treated with dignity, respect, and fairness. Promoting fairness and challenging discriminatory practices.

3.2 We will not tolerate any form of discrimination, harassment, or victimization based on protected characteristics. This includes but is not limited to recruitment, promotion, training opportunities, access to services, and decision-making processes.

3.3 We will strive to ensure that diversity and equality of opportunity is embedded in all aspects of our work, aiming to create a diverse and inclusive workforce and actively promoting participation from underrepresented groups.

4. Accessibility

4.1 Blueprint will be an equality ally: ensuring that our spaces and services are accessible to all; actively removing potential barriers to social inclusion.

4.2 We are dedicated to making our services, events, and facilities accessible to all individuals, regardless of their abilities or disabilities.

4.3 We will identify and remove barriers that may prevent full participation and access to our programs and activities.

4.4 Reasonable accommodations will be provided whenever possible to ensure equal access and participation. Individuals are encouraged to communicate their specific accessibility needs to our organization.

5. Training and Awareness

5.1 We will provide regular training and awareness programs to employees, volunteers, and stakeholders to promote understanding, sensitivity, and awareness of equality, diversity, and inclusion issues.

5.2 Training will encompass topics such as unconscious bias, inclusivity, cultural competence, and the promotion of positive and respectful interactions.

6. Monitoring and Review

6.1 We will regularly monitor and review our policies, practices, and procedures to ensure their alignment with the Equality Act 2010 and to identify areas for improvement.

6.2 Feedback from employees, volunteers, participants, and stakeholders will be actively sought and considered to inform our ongoing efforts to promote equality, diversity, and inclusion.

7. Complaints Procedure

7.1 We have a formal procedure in place to address and resolve complaints related to discrimination or breaches of this policy.

7.2 Complaints will be handled sensitively, confidentially, and in a timely manner, with appropriate actions taken to address and rectify any issues identified.

Blueprint is committed to regularly communicating this policy to all individuals associated with our organization. By promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion, we aim to foster a culture of respect, appreciation, and collaboration.

This policy will be reviewed periodically to ensure its continued relevance and effectiveness in promoting equality and addressing the needs of all individuals.