Equal Opportunities & Diversity Policy

1.⁠ ⁠Policy Statement

Catch’em CIC is committed to providing an inclusive, fair, and diverse environment for everyone—staff, volunteers, trustees, service users, and visitors. We oppose all unlawful or unfair discrimination, and actively promote equality, respect, and dignity across all our activities: domestic abuse support, wellbeing, parenting, healthy relationships, and youth programmes.

This policy complies with the Equality Act 2010 and all relevant UK legislation. We do not discriminate on any protected characteristic:
•⁠ ⁠Age
•⁠ ⁠Disability (including mental health)
•⁠ ⁠Gender, gender reassignment, sexual orientation
•⁠ ⁠Race, ethnicity, nationality, national origin
•⁠ ⁠Religion or belief (including no belief)
•⁠ ⁠Marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity
•⁠ ⁠Socio‑economic background, caring responsibilities, or lifestyle

2.⁠ ⁠Aims & Objectives

•⁠ ⁠Ensure equality of access, treatment, and opportunity in all our services, employment, recruitment, and volunteering
•⁠ ⁠Remove barriers and promote inclusion for marginalised/vulnerable groups, especially survivors of domestic abuse
•⁠ ⁠Value diversity as a strength—reflecting the communities we serve in Greenwich and beyond
•⁠ ⁠Prevent bullying, harassment, victimisation, and any form of unfair treatment
•⁠ ⁠Build awareness, provide training, and embed equality in all our policies and practices

3.⁠ ⁠Scope & Tailored Service Provision

Applies to all representing Catch’em CIC: staff, volunteers, trustees, contractors, trainees, and service users. We design services to meet specific needs, always acting lawfully and fairly:

•⁠ ⁠Women‑only core programmes: Wellbeing, domestic abuse recovery, healthy relationships, and parenting support are reserved for women and girls. This is a legitimate, evidence‑based safe space provision permitted under the Equality Act 2010 (Schedule 9)—to protect survivors, enable open sharing, and address gender‑specific patterns of abuse. Within this service, we welcome and fully include all women regardless of race, disability, faith, sexuality, background, or any other protected characteristic.

•⁠ ⁠Inclusive youth provision: Our digital and creative workshops and youth‑focused activities are open to all girls and boys without gender restriction. Here we apply full diversity practice—welcoming young people of every identity, ability, culture, and circumstance; removing barriers; and ensuring equal voice, participation, and respect.

•⁠ ⁠General principle: Differentiated access is never arbitrary or discriminatory—it follows safeguarding aims, service objectives, and legal exceptions. Where we cannot serve someone directly, we provide clear signposting to appropriate support.

4.⁠ ⁠Service Delivery & Access

•⁠ ⁠We design safe spaces and programmes accessible to all—adjusting for disability, language, culture, accessibility needs
•⁠ ⁠Information provided in clear formats; reasonable adjustments made on request
•⁠ ⁠Cultural sensitivity and respect for identity, beliefs, and family structures
•⁠ ⁠No one is excluded or disadvantaged due to background or personal characteristics

5.⁠ ⁠Employment & Volunteering

•⁠ ⁠Fair, open recruitment based on merit and suitability
•⁠ ⁠Equal access to training, supervision, and development
•⁠ ⁠Reasonable adjustments for disabled people and those with health conditions
•⁠ ⁠Flexible working practices where possible
•⁠ ⁠Zero tolerance for harassment, victimisation, or discriminatory behaviour

6.⁠ ⁠Roles & Responsibilities

Trustees/Management:
•⁠ ⁠Lead by example; allocate resources and review this policy annually
•⁠ ⁠Monitor equality data and address gaps/risks

Staff & Volunteers:
•⁠ ⁠Act with respect and dignity; uphold this policy
•⁠ ⁠Challenge discrimination, bias, or exclusion when seen
•⁠ ⁠Report concerns to the designated lead

Service Users:
•⁠ ⁠Treat others with respect; uphold our safe‑space principles

7.⁠ ⁠Raising Concerns & Complaints

•⁠ ⁠Any discrimination/harassment concerns are taken seriously—use our grievance/safeguarding procedures
•⁠ ⁠No victimisation for raising genuine concerns
•⁠ ⁠All reports investigated promptly, confidentially, and fairly

8.⁠ ⁠Monitoring & Review

•⁠ ⁠We collect anonymised equality data to identify and address disparities
•⁠ ⁠Policy reviewed yearly; updated to reflect legal/good‑practice changes
•⁠ ⁠Made available publicly and to all team members