The Stalisfield Village Hall Trust (SVHT) Diversity/Equal Opportunities Policy

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Purpose

To state the policy of SVHT on Diversity and Equality of Opportunity issues in relation to the use of Stalisfield Village Hall.

 

Scope

The aim of SVHT is to make the Village Hall the social hub of the community.  The hall will be used by local people – but also on an ad-hoc basis by others as a venue for various events including weddings and celebrations.  The individuals falling within the scope of the policy include Trustees, Committee members, , volunteers and users of the hall.  SVHT recognises that everyone has a contribution to make to society and a respect for diversity and equality issues is essential to make this work.

 

Definition

No job applicant or employee, member of committee, volunteer, or organisation/individual to which we provide services will be discriminated against by SVHT on the grounds of:

• Gender (including sex, marital status, gender re-assignment)

• Race (including ethnic origin, colour, nationality or national origin)

• Disability

• Sexual orientation

• Religion or belief

• Promotion of respect for diversity and Equality of Opportunity will be achieved by the following;

• Opposing all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination

• Treating all users of the hall, in whatever capacity, fairly and with respect

• Ensuring the hire of the hall is open to all potential users, subject to availability, agreement to the Terms & Conditions of use of the hall, and compliance with those Terms & conditions.  These state a specific requirement to adhere to policies.

• Selection for volunteering, any form of training or other benefit will be made on the basis of aptitude and ability.  All selection/rejection decisions will be recorded.

• Volunteers and users of the hall have a legal and moral obligation not to discriminate on the grounds stated in the definition - against individuals or groups and must report any such incident to a Trustee of SVHT.  All responsible parties will be made aware of policies and required to read same.

• To create an environment in which individual difference and the contributions of all volunteers and users of the hall are respected, recognised and valued.

• To create an environment where all users, in whatever capacity, understand that they are part of an environment that promotes dignity and respect for all and where intimidation, bullying and harassment will not be tolerated

Dealing with Complaints

• The Trustees will take complaints of discrimination and harassment very seriously.

• They will investigate them thoroughly, and provide opportunities for the person making the complaint to speak in a safe environment about their experience.

• If the complaint is against a particular individual, the Trustees will hear their point of view.

• The Trustees will decide the action to take based on the principle of ensuring the continued inclusion and safety of any member who has experienced discrimination or harassment.

 

This policy will be monitored, and subject to annual review

Last reviewed – August 2026

 

Review required – August 2028