POLICY



Policy Title:	Equal Opportunity Policy
Status (in force or draft) and version number:	In Force
If in force, date from:	
Approved by and date : 
(Management Forum, Directors, Trustees, Chief Executive)	(Please delete this and enter date and who approved by)

Author:	
Contact for additional guidance:	Glen Walker
Next Review Date:	February 2009


SUMMARY
Action for Blind People recognises that discrimination and inequality are still widespread in society as a whole.  We are therefore working to achieve
 Equal Opportunities for all staff irrespective of disability, ethnic origin, gender, marital status, age, sexual orientation, religious belief or ideology.  This applies to employment, to our service provision and to our relationships with external organisations.

Action for Blind People's policy on Equal Opportunities applies to all Trustees, all employees and trainees, volunteers, receivers of our services, 
organisations that we work with and those who act on our behalf.
MAIN POLICY
To demonstrate the commitment of Action For Blind People in being a fair and reasonable employer and service provider.

To ensure that the individual potential of all employees is recognised and that their talents and resources are utilised to the full.  Furthermore 
that no individual employee or group of employees receives less favourable treatment in relation to employment or access to resources.

To ensure that all our staff promote equality in the workplace and in the services we deliver.

Commitment
Action for Blind People will:

•	Recognise and comply with its legal obligations under the Race Relations Act, the Sex Discrimination Act, the Disability Discrimination Act
 and any other statutes in force
.
•	Encourage applications from people who are blind or partially sighted or have another disability.

•	Fulfil its social responsibilities towards employees, potential employees and the communities in which we operate.

•	Review all policies, procedures and practices, relating to all aspects of employment, to ensure that they reflect Action for Blind People's
 commitment to equal opportunities, amending and updating them where appropriate.  

•	Provide development opportunities for all staff to assist them in realising their true potential.

•	Ensure that all customers, clients and service receivers are treated fairly and equitably and receive the services appropriate to their needs.

•	Collect information that is essential for monitoring the effectiveness of the Equal Opportunities Policy, such as statistics from recruitment, 
and ensure that it is regularly reviewed and used in the development of employment practices and service provision.

•	Recognise and embrace the benefits of diversity throughout the organisation, providing Equal Opportunities training to management and staff.

Responsibility
All employees have a responsibility for implementing the Equal Opportunities policy in all aspects of their work and for promoting good and 
non-discriminatory practices.  The Chief Executive has overall responsibility for implementation of equal opportunities and good practice.  
The Head of Human Resources has responsibility for coordinating implementation, monitoring and review of Equal Opportunities.