Garden aims
- To create and maintain green spaces for wildlife, plants and people.
- To support enjoyment and learning about nature
- To promote an inclusive community and nurture wellbeing
- To promote biodiversity and sustainable practices
Principles
The aim of this policy is to communicate the commitment of members to the promotion of equality of opportunity in Forest Gate Community Garden.
It is our policy to provide equality of membership and access to all, irrespective of:
- disability
- gender, including gender reassignment
- race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, being a Traveller)
- marital or civil partnership status
- having or not having dependants
- religious belief or political opinion
- sexual orientation
- age.
We are opposed to all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination. All staff, volunteers and visitors to the garden will be treated fairly and will not be discriminated against on any of the above grounds. Decisions on employment contracts, selection for training or any other benefit will be made objectively, without unlawful discrimination.
We recognise that the provision of equal opportunities in all our activities will benefit Forest Gate Community Garden. Our equalities, diversity and inclusion policy will help members to develop their full potential and the talents and resources of the members will be utilised fully to maximise the effectiveness of the garden.
The Trustees of Forest Gate Community Garden recognise that there is a statutory duty under the Public Sector Equality Duty of the 2010 Equality Act to:
- have due regard to the need to eliminate discrimination
- advance equality of opportunity
- foster good relations between different people when carrying out our activities.
This policy applies to staff, volunteers and visitors.
Forest Gate Community Garden is committed to the principles and practice of equality. Forest Gate Community Garden values the diversity of the local population. We want our services, facilities and resources to be accessible, inclusive and useful to all regardless of gender, age, ethnic origin, religious belief, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other individual characteristic which may unfairly affect a person’s opportunities in life.
Equality Commitments
We are committed to:
- promoting equality of opportunity for all persons
- promoting a good and harmonious learning environment in which all men and women are treated with respect and dignity and in which no form of intimidation or harassment is tolerated
- preventing occurrences of unlawful direct discrimination, indirect discrimination, harassment and victimisation
- fulfilling all our legal obligations under equality legislation and associated codes of practice
- complying with our own equal opportunities policy and associated policies
- taking lawful affirmative or positive action, where appropriate
Breaches of our equal opportunities policy will be regarded as misconduct and could lead to termination of contracts for staff, and/or a detailed investigation, the issuing of interim or final warning letters and ultimately banning a person from access to the site.
Implementation
The Trustees have specific responsibility for the effective implementation of this policy. We expect all members of staff, volunteers and visitors to abide by the policy and help to create the equality environment which is its objective.
In order to implement this policy we shall:
- communicate the policy to staff, volunteers and visitors
- endeavour to ensure that we will not consciously, or unconsciously discriminate in the selection or recruitment of applicants for membership of the group
- incorporate equality of opportunity notices into general communications practices (e.g. website). This policy will be highlighted as being on the website to all members at each annual general meeting
- ensure that adequate resources are made available to fulfil the objectives of the policy
Monitoring and review
We will establish appropriate information and monitoring systems to assist the effective implementation of our equal opportunities policy. (see attached sheet). The effectiveness of the equal opportunities policy will be reviewed regularly (at least annually) and action taken as necessary.
Complaints
Staff, volunteers or visitors who believe that they have suffered any form of discrimination, harassment or victimisation are entitled to raise the matter with the Chair of the Forest Gate Community Garden's Trustees. All complaints of discrimination will be dealt with seriously, promptly and confidentially.
Policy ends
Approved by Trustees Nov 2025 To be reviewed Nov 2027