The United Voices (the organisation) is committed to equal opportunities for all. Everyone involved in the organisation must commit themselves to the United Voices Equal Opportunities Policies. This includes the commitment to taking positive action to achieve the effective implementation of the policies.
The equal opportunities policies aim to ensure that excluded groups and those facing discrimination feel welcome within the organisation and feel able to use and contribute to its services.
The implementation of its equal opportunity policies is the responsibility of all those within the organisation, including volunteers, employees, associates and trustees. It is recognised however, that those working at a supervisory level have a specific duty to set the standard and to lead by example. The organisation is working to integrate the policies into all contracts and conditions of service and into all aspects of its activities.
The organization recognises that it is part of a society that discriminates unfairly and unjustly against some individuals and groups. Discrimination results in disadvantages and lack of opportunities. Discrimination can be either institutional (where discriminatory policies and practices have become incorporated and integrated into the organisation or institution), or individual, or both.
The organisation is resolutely opposed to discrimination and its effects. It works to challenge and eradicate discriminatory policies and practices from its service. It aims for the organisation to act equitably and justly.
United Voices recognises that harassment is a major form of discrimination. It
is opposed to all forms of harassment and views any form of harassment as a
serious disciplinary offence.
United Voices accepts that equal treatment of persons from discriminated-against groups is insufficient to achieving equal opportunities and that positive action is also required. The service is therefore committed to positive action as a means of removing barriers to services and employment opportunities for those from discriminated against groups.