The Treehouse Cafe Equality and Diversity Policy  



The Treehouse is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our participants, and eliminating unlawful discrimination. 

The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative of all sections of society and our customers, and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. 

The organisation - in providing services and facilities - is also committed against unlawful discrimination of customers or the public 

The policy's purpose is to: 

• provide equality, fairness and respect for all in our employment group, 
• not unlawfully discriminate because of the Equality Act 2010 protected characteristics of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race (including colour, nationality, and ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, sex, gender and sexual orientation 
• oppose and avoid all forms of unlawful discrimination. 

The organisation commits to: 

• encourage equality and diversity in the group as they are good practice and make business sense 
• create an environment free of bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination, promoting dignity and respect for all, and where individual differences and the contributions of all participants are recognised and valued 

This commitment includes informing members about their rights and responsibilities under the equality policy. Responsibilities include members conducting themselves to help the organisation provide equal opportunities, and prevent bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination 

All members should understand they, can be held liable for acts of bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination, in the course of their membership, against fellow members, participants, suppliers and the public. This includes incidences both in person and online. 

• take seriously complaints of bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination by fellow employees, customers, suppliers, visitors, the public and any others in the course of the organisation's work activities 

Such acts will be dealt with as misconduct under the organisation's constitution, and any appropriate action will be taken. Particularly serious complaints could amount to gross misconduct and lead to dismissal from the organisation. 

Further, sexual harassment may amount to both a Members rights matter and a criminal matter, such as in sexual assault allegations. In addition, harassment under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 – which is not limited to circumstances where harassment relates to a protected characteristic – is a criminal offence 

• decisions concerning members being based on merit (apart from in any necessary and limited exemptions and exceptions allowed under the Equality Act) 
• review membership practices and procedures when necessary to ensure fairness, and also update them and the policy to take account of changes in the law 
• monitor the make-up of the membership regarding information such as age, gender, ethnic background, sexual orientation, religion or belief, and disability in encouraging equality and diversity, and in meeting the aims and commitments set out in the equality policy 

Monitoring will also include assessing how the equality policy, and any sporting action plan, are working in practice, reviewing them annually, and considering and taking action to address any issues 

The equality policy is fully supported and agreed by both directors of The Treehouse. 

Details of the organisation's grievance and disciplinary policies and procedures can be found within our safeguarding policy. This includes details regarding who to contact in the instance of a grievance. 

Rachel Forsyth co-director 

Lorna Berry co-director