Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Policy

Objectives

The objectives of this policy are to:

• Ensure that our provision is fully inclusive.
• Ensure the best use of available resources.
• Ensure compliance with legislation on discrimination.
• Ensure participants have equal opportunities to achieve their potential and benefit from the full range of facilities and resources during sessions.
• Prevent incidents of bullying on any grounds.
• Ensure all participants and volunteers feel valued and that their views influence our decisions about systems and procedures.
• Ensure all stakeholders are aware of this policy.
• Celebrate differences in a range of contexts.
• Ensure all who engage with Natural Networks uphold our values of Nurture, Trust, Respect, Achievement, Enjoyment, Inclusion, and Loyalty.

Commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Natural Networks upholds the right of children, young people, and adults of all races, cultures, religions, genders, sexualities, abilities, and marital statuses to be supported and protected from abuse of any kind.

Natural Networks is fully committed to providing equal opportunities for all and does not discriminate on grounds of gender, age, marital status, race, ethnic origin, religious conviction, disability, or sexuality. We are entirely compliant with the general Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion duty as set out in Section 149 of the Equality Act 2010.

Protected Characteristics

Natural Networks recognises its duty to eliminate discrimination, advance equality of opportunity, and foster good relations between people with different protected characteristics.

Natural Networks is committed to treating all participants equally and fairly, without discrimination on the grounds of the following protected characteristics as described in the Equality Act 2010:

• Gender or gender reassignment
• Race
• Pregnancy and maternity
• Marital status
• Disability
• Religion or belief
• Sexual orientation
• Age

Promoting Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Natural Networks will promote Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion and challenge discrimination through:

• Internal policies and practices.
• External relationships with other agencies or partners.

All volunteers and staff working with Natural Networks have a duty to adhere to this policy and actively promote its principles.

Responsibilities

Natural Networks Committee
The Committee is responsible for:

• Developing and reviewing this policy.
• Supporting volunteers and staff in investigating issues relating to potential discrimination.

Volunteers and Staff
All volunteers and staff are expected to:

• Uphold the principles of this policy.
• Keep up to date with current legislation and best practices through relevant professional networks.

Reporting Discrimination

If any leads, volunteers, children, or others feel they have been or are being discriminated against, they are entitled to pursue the matter with:

• The Chair of Natural Networks.

All reports of discrimination will be investigated promptly and fairly, with confidentiality maintained wherever possible. Outcomes will be communicated to relevant parties, and appropriate action will be taken.

Challenging Behaviour and Promoting Inclusion

Natural Networks and session leads will:

• Manage challenging behaviour fairly, sensitively, and consistently.
• Provide mechanisms for support if relationships break down.
• Promote Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion by recognising and addressing difficulties.
• Strive to remove any form of discrimination that may create barriers to learning or good relations.
• Challenge stereotyping and prejudice when it occurs.
• Work collaboratively with parents to promote consistent messages about behaviour at home and during sessions.

Inclusive Programmes and Resources

Natural Networks will endeavour to ensure, as far as practicable, that all programmes and gatherings are delivered in an inclusive and accessible manner.

Equipment and Materials
All equipment and materials will be assessed to promote equal opportunities. Resources, publicity, and programmes will reflect the diversity and cultural richness of society.

Publicity and Accessibility
Whenever feasible, services and events will be publicised in places and formats accessible to all groups within the wider community.

Recruitment and Training

Natural Networks will:

• Advertise freelance and volunteering opportunities both internally and externally.
• Keep selection and recruitment processes under constant review to ensure fairness and effectiveness.
• Staff and volunteers must undertake training in Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion, e.g., at induction and every 3 years.
• Seek funding to support such training initiatives.

Enforcement / consequences

Breaches of this policy may result in disciplinary action, termination of volunteer agreements, or removal from programmes, depending on severity

Monitoring and evaluation

Natural Networks will monitor and review participation, recruitment, and incident data to ensure our programmes and practices remain fully inclusive and effective.

Review Date

This policy will be reviewed on 01/01/2027.