Tenebrae is committed to encouraging equality and diversity in all its work and to eliminating unlawful discrimination. Our aim is for all personnel and stakeholders – including Trustees, employees, contractors, tutors, volunteers and children and young people – to be truly representative of all sections of society, and for all involved in the services and activities we undertake to feel respected, valued and able to give their best.

This policy describes how Tenebrae aims to avoid discriminating against people and how we will work to create a safe and inclusive environment for all our stakeholders.

We aim to:

• promote equality, fairness and respect for all associated with Tenebrae.
• ensure that no-one associated with Tenebrae is subjected to unlawful discrimination because 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 (gender) or sexual orientation. These are the protected characteristics set out in the Equalities Act 2010.
• eliminate all forms of unlawful discrimination.

We commit ourselves to:

• encouraging equality and diversity at work and in all of Tenebrae’s activities
• creating an operational environment that is free of bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination, that promotes dignity and respect for all, and where individual differences and the contributions of all are recognised and valued.

We expect to:

• Make this policy available to all associated with Tenebrae and its activities, so everyone understands clearly the behaviours we expect them to share. We will strive to provide guidance and training where appropriate in support of the aims of this policy.
• Make decisions concerning recruitment, management and promotion of Tenebrae employees based on merit (apart from any necessary and limited exceptions and exemptions allowed under the Equality Act).
• Make opportunity for training and development of staff in relation to equality and diversity.
• Review employment practices and procedures when necessary to ensure fairness and strive to ensure they are updated when necessary.
• Within the ambit of Data Protection legislation we may monitor our staff and the people we work with by characteristics including age, gender, ethnic background and disability to assist us in reviewing this policy and its operation and to consider and take action on any issues.

Code of Conduct

• All people associated with Tenebrae will be treated with dignity and respect and we will strive to make sure we create a safe and inclusive environment for all our stakeholders where their feelings are valued and respected.
• No one will be harassed, intimidated or abused on the grounds of any protected characteristic they may have.
• Complaints of bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination against fellow employees, contractors, suppliers and the public will be taken seriously. Any such acts will be dealt with as potential misconduct under grievance or disciplinary procedures and any appropriate action will be taken. Particularly serious complaints could amount to gross misconduct and lead to dismissal.
• All personnel should understand that in the course of their employment or engagement they, as well as Tenebrae, may be held liable for acts of this nature.
• We will work to ensure that our activities are open and welcoming and we will take especial care with children and young people to ensure that their views are respected and they are able to engage with our activities.

Making a Complaint

• Tenebrae has grievance and disciplinary procedures in place for employees.
• Complaints from contractors and others should be directed to the General Manager ([email protected]) in the first instance, or if this is not appropriate the Board of Trustees ([email protected]) may be contacted in confidence.
• A complaint against Tenebrae will be investigated by the Board.
• In any investigation people involved will have the opportunity to express their point of view. Tenebrae will endeavour to support those who feel they have been harassed or discriminated against and will not victimise or treat them less well because they have raised concerns.
• Where appropriate any investigation will include recommendations to ensure that the conduct or action is not repeated.