PZArts CIC is committed to creating and maintaining an environment where equity, diversity, inclusion and safety are central to everything we do. We believe that everyone should be treated with dignity and respect, and we aim to ensure that our workplace and volunteer opportunities are free from discrimination, harassment and victimisation.

This policy applies to all staff and volunteers of PZArts CIC. It sets out our approach to equity, diversity and inclusion in relation to recruitment, training, management, and day-to-day working practices.

This policy is underpinned by the Equality Act 2010, which protects individuals from discrimination on the basis of the following protected characteristics:

• Age
• Disability
• Gender reassignment
• Marriage and civil partnership
• Pregnancy and maternity
• Race (including colour, nationality, and ethnic or national origins)
• Religion or belief
• Sex
• Sexual orientation

We are committed to:

• Treating all staff and volunteers fairly and with respect.
• Providing equal opportunities in recruitment, training, promotion, and volunteering.
• Making reasonable adjustments to ensure accessibility for people with disabilities.
• Creating an inclusive culture that values and celebrates differences.
• Taking action to prevent and address discrimination, harassment, bullying or victimisation.
• Reviewing and improving our policies and practices to promote equity and inclusion.

To put this policy into practice, PZArts CIC will:

• Ensure recruitment and selection processes are transparent, fair and based on merit.
• Provide appropriate induction, training and ongoing development for staff and volunteers to raise awareness of equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Monitor our practices and decision-making to identify and address barriers to inclusion.
• Provide channels for concerns, complaints or suggestions to be raised without fear of victimisation.
• Take prompt and fair action if this policy is breached.

• Board of Directors are responsible for overall implementation of this policy and setting an inclusive organisational culture.
• All staff and volunteers are responsible for respecting others, contributing to an inclusive environment, and upholding this policy in their day-to-day behaviour.

If you believe you have been treated unfairly or discriminated against, or if you witness behaviour that goes against this policy, you should raise your concern by contacting hello@pzartscic.co.uk.  All complaints will be taken seriously and handled with sensitivity and confidentiality.

This policy will be reviewed annually, or sooner if required by changes in legislation or organisational practice. Updates will be published on our website.