Equality and Diversity Policy

Our Objectives:

Project Youth Official C.I.C. is dedicated to fostering a secure and inclusive environment for all. Our primary focus is on cultivating strong connections and improving communication among young people, parents, children, and those in positions of authority. We aim to highlight the positive aspects of young individuals, often overlooked in media portrayals and public perceptions.

Project Youth Official is firmly committed to challenging all forms of oppression, addressing issues related to age, race, ethnicity, nationality, creed, gender, sex, class, sexuality, gender reassignment, learning ability, physical impairment, mental health, HIV status, occupation, income, wealth, and unrelated criminal convictions. We endeavour to shape our activities, services, and decision-making processes to actively encourage and support the participation of individuals facing societal disadvantages, including women, BAMER (Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic and Refugee) individuals, disabled individuals, LGBTQ individuals, and those with lower incomes.

EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY AT PROJECT YOUTH OFFICIAL CIC

We define equality as the dismantling of barriers, eradication of discrimination, and the provision of equal opportunities and access to all groups in employment, as well as to goods and services.

We view diversity as the celebration of differences and the appreciation of every individual. By respecting both visible and non-visible differences, everyone can feel valued for their contributions, benefiting not only the individual but also Project Youth Official as a whole.

We recognize that equality and diversity are not interchangeable but are interdependent. True equality of opportunity cannot be achieved unless differences are valued and leveraged.

The rights and obligations outlined in this policy are applicable to all Project Youth Official employees and volunteers.

OUR COMMITMENT

Every employee or volunteer has the right to a working environment that fosters dignity, equality, and respect for all. Project Youth Official will not tolerate any acts of unlawful or unfair discrimination (including harassment) against an employee, contractor, job applicant, or visitor based on a protected characteristic:

Age
Sex
Gender reassignment
Marriage and civil partnership
Pregnancy and maternity
Race (including ethnic origin, colour, nationality, and national origin)
Disability
Sexual orientation
Religion and belief

No form of intimidation, bullying, or harassment will be tolerated.

If any team member feels discriminated against or harassed during a workshop or event hosted by Project Youth Official, they should report it to the management team. The complaint will be thoroughly investigated, with the involvement of all relevant parties (except if the complaint is against a member of the management team, in which case they will not be part of the investigation).

If the complaint is against the company as a whole, the management team will work to prevent future occurrences of such discrimination and will inform all Make (Good) Trouble team members and the Advisory Group of their proposed actions.

We will support individuals who believe they have been harassed or discriminated against and will not victimise or treat them less favourably for raising a complaint or expressing concerns.

REVEW

This policy will undergo a thorough review annually or when issues arise, if sooner.

We are committed to reviewing our policy, its implementation, and best practices annually or when issues arise, if sooner.

This policy was last reviewed on 02 May 2023 and will be reviewed again 02 May 2024.