General statement on equality and diversity
30.1 All parties to this agreement are committed to building a workforce which is valued and whose diversity reflects the communities it serves, enabling it to deliver the best possible healthcare service to those communities.
30.2 Everyone working within the organisation should be able to achieve his or her full potential in an environment characterised by dignity and mutual respect.
30.3 Equality of opportunity means that an individual’s diversity is viewed positively and, in recognising that everyone is different, valuing equally the unique contribution that individual experience, knowledge and skills can make.
30.4 Everyone who works within the organisation, or applies to work within the organisation, should be treated fairly and valued equally. All conditions of service and job requirements should fit with the needs of the service and those who work in it, regardless of age, disability, race, nationality, ethnic or national origin, gender, religion, beliefs, sexual orientation, domestic circumstances, social and employment status, HIV status, gender reassignment, political affiliation or trade union membership.
30.5 The organisation should strive to be a place where people want to work, and to be a leader in good employment practice. This agreement seeks to build on the current legal framework through the establishment of good practice.
30.6 It is recognised that not everybody who works for the organisation is covered by this agreement. All parties to this agreement believe that it should be a model for all employers.
Definitions
30.7 Where the term ‘requires’ is used in this agreement, this denotes a requirement set down in law. Where ‘should’ is used, this denotes that there is a local agreement to that effect. The agreements contained in this part of the Handbook should be taken as policy by employers.
Scope
30.8 Each of the key areas to be addressed is contained in this Handbook in Sections 31 to 35 as follows:
- Section 31: Recruitment, promotion and staff development
- Section 32: Dignity at work
- Section 33: Special Leave
- Section 34: Flexible working arrangements Section 35: Employment Break Scheme
30.9 This agreement has been developed based on the legal minima and best practice.