This page contains the following sections:
Equality is about creating a fairer society where everyone can participate and has the same opportunity to fulfil their potential. Equality is backed by legislation designed to address unfair discrimination based on membership of a particular group. Some of the Acts you may be most familiar with are - Race Relations Act 1976, Sex Discrimination Act 1975, Disability Discrimination Act 1995.
Key Points:
- Equality of outcome
- Compliance with legislation
- ‘Owned’ by experts
- Risk management (of litigation)
Diversity is about recognising that everyone is different in a variety of visible and non-visible ways. It is about creating a culture and practices that recognise, respect and value difference. It is about harnessing this potential to create a productive environment in which the equally diverse needs of the customer/client can be met in a creative environment. It is about generating a workforce who feels valued/ respected and has their potential fully utilised in order to meet organisational goals. Diversity is not an ‘initiative’ or a ‘project’, it is an ongoing core aim and a core process.
Key Points:
- Recognising difference
- Linking diversity to organisational goals
- Diversity as ‘mainstream’ vision
- Benefits of diversity are stressed
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SAVO has downloadable Policies and Procedures for VCS employers, including an Equality and Diversity Policy, and these can be found at:
http://www.savo.co.uk/content/view/62/149/
For groups in Suffolk, if you require assistance developing or implementing any of these policies or procedures, please contact:
Christine Pinsent - Waveney Field Training Officer
Telephone: 01502 539711 E-mail:
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SAVO’s Diversity on the Agenda CD-ROM has been designed to:
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introduce, support and help individuals and organisations to gain an understanding of how diversity can improve your organisation’s services and volunteering/working environment.
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identify and value skills that an individual has.
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provide an environment that encourages individuals to participate,
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help people feel their contribution is valued, share knowledge, pass on skills and enjoy being part of a team.
Each area of the CD-ROM has been divided up into sections: Yourself, Workforce, Board, Services and Users and you can access the area you are trying to work in. Within each section, you can choose: Starting Point, Benchmarking, Action Planning, Monitoring and Next Steps. Each area gives useful advice to help you achieve your aims.
Each section has an introduction and looks at the importance, benefits and challenges that can be faced. The toolkit also includes examples of action plans, audits and changes to look for and how to monitor. It can be used by all members of your organisation and includes a benchmarking exercise to help identify areas for training.
To order your copy, please contact SAVO offices on 01473 273273 or email:
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If you are a member of SAVO, your copy is FREE
*Non members can be invoiced for £5.00
More information on Diversity can be found on the SAVO website at: http://www.savo.co.uk/content/view/65/123/
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Below are links to some organisations that provide a variety of useful information related to equality and diversity:
The Equality and Human Rights Commission
This is the new commission, which replaces the following former organisations:
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The Equal Opportunities Commission
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The Commissionfor Racial Equality
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The Disability Rights Commission
http://www.equalityhumanrights.com
Age Positive & Age Partnership Group
These sites provide information on the upcoming responsibilities introduced by legislation in relation to age discrimination.
ACAS
Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service – this is a government site which provides up-to-date information, independent advice, training and a variety of other services.
Tiger
Tailored Interactive Guidance on Employment Relations – this is a government site which provides information on a range of employment issues including maternity and paternity rights, flexible working rights, working times, and national minimum wage.
Stonewall
Stonewall is a representative and lobbying organisation which protects and promotes the rights of lesbian, gay, and transgendered people within the UK.
Citizens Advice
For many people facing discrimination or employment issues the Citizens Advice Bureau remains a first port-of-call.
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Equality and Diversity 
