Tysoe Village Hall Equal Opportunities Policy

The Tysoe Village Hall Charity opposes all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination. The purpose of this policy is to ensure that all those living in and around the Parish of Tysoe and all those qualifying beneficiaries of the Village Hall Charity, as defined by the Charity’s Trust Deed, will receive equal opportunities in the use of and access to the Village Hall, and in the management of the Village Hall Charity’s affairs.

Tysoe Village Hall Charity is committed to taking positive steps to ensure that:

• all people are treated with dignity and respect, valuing the diversity of all;
• equality of opportunity and diversity is promoted;
• services are accessible, appropriate and delivered fairly to all;
• the mix of its Trustees, employees, volunteers and management committees reflects, as far as possible, the broad mix of the population of its local community;
• traditionally disadvantaged sections of the community are encouraged to participate in policy decisions about, and the management of, the services provided.

Tysoe Village Hall Charity will eliminate all forms of discrimination on the grounds ofnationality, race or colour, ethnic or national origin, marital status, caring responsibilities, disability, gender or gender re-assignment, age, social class, sexual orientation, religion/ belief, irrelevant offending background or any other factor irrelevant to the purpose in view. It will tackle social exclusion, inequality, discrimination and disadvantage.

This policy applies to all beneficiaries, Trustees, staff, volunteers, management committee members, users, contractors, suppliers and the general public who come into contact with the Village Hall, and subject only to the requirement of the Charity’s Trust Deed that Trustees of the Charity must be over 18 years of age.

Trustees and users of the Village Hall are required to actively comply with this policy,as are employees or persons seeking employment with the Village Hall Charity.

Irrespective of the terms of their employment, employees will be treated fairly and equally according to this policy.

For this policy to be successful, it is essential that everyone is committed to and involved in its delivery.

Users of Tysoe Village Hall

Beneficiaries of the Village Hall Charity will have equal rights of access to, and use of, the facilities provided by the Charity, which will act at all times without prejudice, favour or discrimination in deciding upon requests for use and hire of the facilities, and any hiring agreement will not impose unfair or discriminatory practices upon thehirer or user. Physical constraints on access for the less abled will, as far as the Village Hall Charity is reasonably able to, be removed or mitigated.

Employees of Tysoe Village Hall Charity

Employees will receive equality of opportunities in both their selection and conditionsof their employment and remuneration. Intimidation, bullying, prejudice or harassment against any employee will not be tolerated. Employees will be expected to apply this policy in their work.

Suppliers of goods and Services to Tysoe Village Hall Charity

In considering tenders for the supply of goods and services the Charity will make its decision on the basis of economic, specification, performance and timescale considerations, and contracts for goods and services will not impose prejudicial or discriminatory conditions upon suppliers. This is subject to the supplier being able to demonstrate sound ethical working practices - for example, a declaration that they are not involved in modern day slavery.

Tenants of Tysoe Village Hall Charity

Applicants applying to lease any part of the Village Hall Charity’s land or premises will be treated fairly and without prejudice, favour or discrimination, and the terms of the lease will not impose unfair or discriminatory practices upon the tenants.

Appointments and elections of Trustees, Officers and Committee members

The appointments of the Trustees, officers and committee members, whether co-opted or not, will be carried out in accordance with the Charity’s Constitution, and will be open and transparent, and conducted without prejudice, favour or discrimination.

Management of this policy

This policy has been agreed by and is supported by the Charity’s Trustees, officers and Committee Members. The Management Committee will take seriously any reportof a breach of this policy and carry out an annual review to ensure compliance and relevance.

Complaint of a breach of this Policy

Any person or group claiming a breach of this policy must set out their complaint in writing to the Chair of the Trustees or, if the complaint is against that person, to another Trustee or Committee member. The Chair or other person must ensure that any evidence in support or defence of the complaint is secured. The Management Committee must consider the complaint at the next Committee meeting or, in an urgent case, at a special ordinary meeting, convened in accordance with the Constitution. The Committee will determine by a majority vote whether the complaint is upheld, and their reasons recorded. The Complainant will be invited to attend that meeting and to make representations. In the event that the complaint is upheld theCharity will correct the matter as soon as possible. The Committee will monitor the status of the corrective action at each subsequent meeting, until the matter is resolved. The complainant will be notified in writing as soon as the action is cleared.

Breach of policy by a Trustee, Committee member or employee

The incidence of a Trustee, Committee member or employee behaving in a way that is deemed contrary to the requirements of this policy may invoke the Charity’s disciplinary procedures. If such conduct is found to constitute gross misconduct it could result in dismissal or removal from the Charity.

Policy agreed by Trustees and Management Committee - May 2024