7 WAVES COMMUNITY RADIO LTD

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES POLICY

1. Purpose and Objectives

1.1  Purpose of Policy

7 Waves Community Radio (7WCR) is community radio dedicated to broadcasting to the communities of North Wirral and beyond. Its remit is to engage with local people through its and to work with partners to address social exclusion problems through its community programmes. In addition it delivers a range of training opportunities to local people enabling them into employment and increasing their skills and self-esteem.

The Board of 7WCR recognises that not all sections of society have equal power and influence in terms of employment, community participation, decision making or access to facilities, recreation and their environment.

The purpose of this document is to confirm the Board of 7WCR commitment to preventing discrimination and providing equal opportunities in all of its activities. 7WCR is trying to make sure that inequality is addressed in a positive way in all its activities. To enable this an Equal Opportunities Policy has been developed. The policy will be monitored continuously, assessed annually and will be reviewed one year after agreement and then every three years.  Implementation and effectiveness of the policy will be monitored and assessed annually.

1.2  Objectives of Policy
The legal requirements of equal opportunities are covered by:-

Following the above legislation, this policy aims to make sure that:-

1.2.1    No person suffers discrimination in a direct 7WCR does not discriminate against any other person or other organisation on the grounds of race, ethnic origin, disability, nationality, gender, sexuality, age, class, appearance, religion, responsibility for dependants, activities, being HIV positive or with AIDS, or any other matter which causes a person to be treated with injustice.

1.2.2 No person suffers any form of discrimination in an indirect way. That is where any conditions are imposed which have the effect of discriminating against any of the groups noted in the previous paragraph, whether this is intentional or not.

1.2.3 The Board supports the elimination of illegal discriminatory practices and the promotion of resisting the effects of past discrimination.

1.2.4 No person is victimised because they have made a complaint, or intend to make a complaint or supply evidence or information under the race or sexuality laws.

2. Statement

The Board of 7WCR intends to make sure that people are treated equally and fairly in all its activities. These activities include training, broadcasting, information and external promotions as well as policies and public statements. 7WCR also intends to do this in any promotional and marketing activity.

The Board of 7WCR believe that no one should suffer less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, care responsibilities, childcare, class, disability, ethnic origin, gender, health status, nationality, race, religious belief, sexual orientation, being an ex-offender, or trade union membership.

3. Areas Covered

7WCR are committed to equal opportunities, which supports every area of its operation, it is included in all areas of policy thinking and decision making particularly:

3.1  Employment / Volunteers

The principle of equal opportunities is included in all areas of staff recruitment, volunteer recruitment, supervision, review and development.   Examples are:- advertising, application forms, disciplinary/grievance procedures, interviewing, job specifications, monitoring, promotion, supervision and training.

Staff contracts and job descriptions will include the equal opportunities policy.

3.2  Delivery of Services

The principles of equal opportunities will be included in the delivery of all 7WCR training, broadcasting and community activities. Examples are advice, application process, induction (employees and volunteers), partnership / external forums, outside broadcasting, information, images used, website, tutors/trainers. All learners who enrol on any course will a session on equal opportunities.

3.3  Organisational Policy and Development of 7WCR.

The principles of equal opportunities will be included in all marketing and promotion of 7WCR. An example is that equal opportunities will be considered in the development and evident in the strategy, image and public statements.

3.4  Day to Day Running

The principles of equal opportunities will be included in the day to day running of the organisation. Different cultural and religious backgrounds will be considered and people given respect and dignity. In addition 7WCR will comply with all Ofcom requirements with regards to equality and diversity.

4. Implementation and Responsibilities

4.1 All staff, volunteers, Board Members have a responsibility to make sure that the policy is carried out effectively.

4.2 A member of the Board will be responsible for ensuring the policy is monitored, reviewed and developed. The Board will take the final decision if there is any dispute.

4.3 The Station Manager will be responsible for ensuring that this policy is in place and adhered to on a daily basis, reporting any abuses to the to the Board.

5. Grievance and Complaints Procedure

5.1 Any breach of the equal opportunities policy or act of discrimination, victimisation or harassment towards staff, volunteers, providers or users of 7WCR’s services will be taken seriously and dealt with through the disciplinary, grievance or complaints procedure.

5.2 Staff & Volunteers who want to make a complaint through the grievance procedure and anyone who supports them or gives evidence on their behalf will be guaranteed not to suffer any harassment or any unfair treatment as a result.

5.3 The Board of 7WCR will make sure people of one race, ethnic origin, disability, nationality,
gender, sexuality, age, class, appearance, religion, responsibility for dependants, activities, being HIV positive or with AIDS, are not disciplined or dismissed for performance or behaviour which may be ignored or accepted in other groups.

5.4 The Board of 7WCR will aim to make this an on-going practice process rather than a formal legal process. Complaints will be made through the complaints procedure as part of the structure of Board meetings. The DTA Board will arbitrate in the event of dispute with or complaint from service users.

5.5 Anybody contracted to 7WCR for specific work will be bound by the code of practice on equal opportunities which will form part of the contract. If the code is not followed the contract may be deemed to be broken. 7WCR will have the right to end a contract if this should happen and also to take legal action to recover any losses that result from the contract being broken.

6. Monitoring and Review
6.1  Review
The staff, volunteers and Board should expect regular discussion and debate on the operation of this policy as part of their responsibilities. The policy will also be reviewed by the Board one year after it is agreed.  After three years of operation the policy will be fully reviewed and updated.

6.2  Monitoring
Annual assessment and monitoring of the policy will be carried out to make sure that the objectives of the policy are adhered to; particular reference will be made to:

7. Resources

The Board of 7WCR will ensure that appropriate support is available to carry out this policy effectively.

Conclusion

This Policy has been agreed and ratified by the Board of 7 Waves Community Radio Ltd.

Chair
December 2007