1. Our Commitment

SalamaNet C.I.C is committed to promoting equality of opportunity and creating an inclusive environment for everyone we work with — whether as a service user, staff member, volunteer, or partner. We celebrate the diversity of our community and recognise that difference is a strength.

2. Protected Characteristics

This policy covers all nine protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010: age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. We will not discriminate against any person on the basis of any of these characteristics.

3. Types of Discrimination

• Direct discrimination — treating someone less favourably because of a protected characteristic
• Indirect discrimination — applying a provision, criterion, or practice that disadvantages people with a protected characteristic
• Harassment — unwanted conduct related to a protected characteristic that violates dignity or creates a hostile environment
• Victimisation — treating someone unfairly because they have made or supported a complaint under the Equality Act

4. Our Responsibilities as a Service Provider

• Make reasonable adjustments to ensure our services are accessible to disabled people
• Provide information in accessible formats on request
• Offer interpretation and translation support where possible
• Ensure our premises and activities are welcoming to all communities
• Monitor the diversity of our service users and staff to identify and address gaps

5. Employment and Volunteering

We are committed to fair and transparent recruitment. All job and volunteering opportunities are open to everyone. Selection decisions are based solely on merit, skills, and suitability for the role. We actively encourage applications from people from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, and other underrepresented groups.

6. Culturally Responsive Practice

SalamaNet was founded to serve communities that are often underserved by mainstream services. We are committed to culturally responsive practice — understanding and respecting the cultural backgrounds, languages, and lived experiences of the people we support. We continuously develop our knowledge and adapt our services accordingly.

7. Reporting Discrimination

Anyone who believes they have experienced or witnessed discrimination, harassment, or victimisation in connection with SalamaNet should report this to our designated lead. All reports will be taken seriously, investigated promptly, and handled confidentially. Victimisation of anyone who raises a concern in good faith will not be tolerated.

8. Monitoring and Review

We will monitor the implementation of this policy annually and report findings to our board of trustees. We will use monitoring data to identify areas for improvement and set equality objectives. This policy will be reviewed every year or sooner if there are changes in legislation or organisational practice.