GraceSimba is committed to encouraging equality, diversity and inclusion among our work- force & volunteers and eliminating unlawful discrimination.

The aim is for us to be truly representative of all sections of society and our beneficiaries, and for each volunteer to feel respected and able to give their best.

GraceSimba in providing goods and/or services and/or facilities - is also committed against unlawful discrimination of beneficiaries or the public.

The policy’s purpose is to:

• provide equality, fairness and respect for all in our service
• not unlawfully discriminate because of the Equality Act 2010 protected characteristics of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race (including colour, nationality, and ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation
• oppose and avoid all forms of unlawful discrimination. This includes in dealing with grievances and discipline, and selection for volunteering opportunities, employment,    promotion, training or other developmental opportunities.

The organisation commits to:

• Encourage equality, diversity and inclusion in the charity as they are good prac tice and make moral sense
• Create an environment free of bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination, promoting dignity and respect for all, and where individual differences and the contributions of all volunteers or staff are recognised and valued.

This commitment includes training trustees and all other volunteers about their rights and responsibilities under the equality, diversity and inclusion policy. Responsibilities include volunteers conducting themselves to help the organisation      provide equal opportunities in activities, and prevent bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination.

All volunteers should understand they, as well as the trustees, can be held liable for acts of bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination, in the course of their volunteering, against fellow volunteers, beneficiaries, suppliers and the public.

• Take seriously complaints of bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful dis- crimination by fellow volunteers, beneficiaries, suppliers, visitors, the public and any others in the course of the charity’s work activities.

Such acts will be dealt with as misconduct under the charity's procedures, and appropriate action will be taken. Particularly serious complaints could lead to being barred from volunteering in future.

• Further, sexual harassment may amount to both an employment rights matter and a criminal matter, such as in sexual assault allegations. In addition, harassment under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 – which is not limited to circumstances where harassment relates to a protected characteristic  is a criminal offence.
• Make opportunities for training, development and progress available to all volunteers, who will be helped and encouraged to develop their full potential, so their talents and resources can be fully utilised to maximise the efficiency of the charity.
• Review practices and procedures when necessary to ensure fairness, and also update them and the policy to take account of changes in the law. 

The equality, diversity and inclusion policy are fully supported by trustees.