Policy statement
This practice recognises and conforms to the principles of Equality Act 2010 by creating an environment where all our patients and staff are treated with dignity and respect. This policy sets down our approach to equality, discrimination, diversity and human rights as it applies to all our patients and staff.
Responsibilities
The person with responsibility for considering and taking action if any instances breach this policy is Lucy Sharples. Anyone found to have committed a serious act of improper or unlawful discrimination, harassment, bullying or intimidation will be disciplined in line with Charminster House’s disciplinary procedure.
Lucy Sharples is also responsible for arranging training of all staff in equality and diversity and ensuring that all staff understand their responsibility to create a fair and un-discriminatory place of work for their colleagues and patients to visit.
Legal responsibilities
The rights of our patients and our staff with regards to discrimination are protected by anti-discrimination legislation including:
- The Equality Act 2010
- Part-time workers (Prevention of less favourable treatment) regulations 2000
- Employment Rights Act 1996
- Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
Types of discrimination and harassment
Through this policy, through training and by example, we wish to demonstrate that we do not tolerate any form of discrimination by anyone working at this practice against patients or other members of staff. Specifically, we aim to prevent discrimination by:
Patients:
- We recognise all our patients as individuals with diverse needs
- We will aim to accommodate the needs of our patients relating to any disability wherever possible
- We will respect the rights and dignity of all our patients
- We invite comments regarding improvements to the provision of our services in relation to patients with disabilities
Staff
- When applying for a role with this practice, our decisions will be based on skills, qualifications and experience and on who is most suitable for the job
- Meet any needs potential staff may have at interview and during employment wherever possible
- Ensure that all staff have equal opportunity to take part in ongoing training and development
If you feel that you are the subject of discrimination or harassment, or become aware that a/another member of staff, a patient or other person in the practice may be violating the principles contained in this policy, in the first instance you should let the perpetrator know how you feel verbally or in writing asking him or her to stop the behaviour.. Keep a record of the incident/s, raise the issue with Lucy Sharples. Samir Jivraj or Saffina Nanji and if the matter is not resolved, submit a written complaint. This complaint will be investigated within 2 weeks, and an external HR specialist may be contracted by the practice to aid investigation. Charminster House will take every step possible to ensure that a good working environment is maintained for both the accused and the perpetrator until investigations are complete.
Charminster House will also take appropriate action against any third parties who are found to have committed an act of improper or unlawful harassment against its employees.
All allegations are taken seriously
Please see the Practice Manager Lucy Sharples for more information