Equality & Diversity Policy

Millom Town Council Equality and Diversity Policy

Adopted: 28 January 2026

Revision Date: January 2028

Policy Overview

Millom Town Council is dedicated to encouraging a supportive and inclusive culture amongst the whole workforce. The council promotes diversity and eliminates discrimination in the workplace.

The aim is to ensure all employees and job applicants are given equal opportunity and that the organisation is representative of all sections of society. Employees will be respected, valued and enabled to perform to their best.

The council is opposed to all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, ethnic origin, colour, nationality, national origin, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.

All employees will be treated fairly regardless of employment status. Recruitment, promotion, training and benefits will be based on aptitude and ability.

Millom Town Council Commitments

• Create an environment recognising individual differences and contributions
• Promote dignity and respect in the workplace
• Not tolerate intimidation, bullying or harassment
• Provide equal access to training and development opportunities
• Promote equality as good management practice
• Encourage reporting of discrimination concerns
• Regularly review employment practices for fairness

All employees will be informed of this policy and required to comply with its principles. The policy will also be shared with funding agencies, customers, learners and applicants.

1. Purpose

This policy sets out Millom Town Council’s approach to equality and diversity, promoting a culture that values difference and recognises the benefits of diverse backgrounds and experiences.

2. Equality and Diversity at Millom Town Council

Equality means eliminating discrimination and ensuring equal opportunity and access for all.

Diversity means celebrating difference and valuing every individual.

Equality and diversity are inter-dependent and must operate together.

3. Scope

This policy applies to all employees, including part-time, full-time, fixed-term, agency staff, contractors and associated persons.

Employees have personal responsibility for complying with this policy.

The policy is particularly relevant to those involved in recruitment, training and employment decisions.

The policy operates from 28 January 2026 and will be reviewed in January 2028.

Equality and Diversity Declaration

Employees confirm they have read and understood the policy and agree to uphold dignity and respect in their roles.

4. Millom Town Council’s Commitment

Every employee is entitled to a working environment that promotes dignity, equality and respect.

Discrimination will not be tolerated based on:

• Sex
• Gender reassignment
• Marriage and civil partnership
• Pregnancy and maternity
• Race, nationality, colour and ethnic origin
• Disability
• Sexual orientation
• Religion or belief
• Age

Unjustifiable discrimination based on work patterns will also not be tolerated.

Training and development opportunities will be encouraged for all employees.

Harassment, bullying and intimidation will not be tolerated. Allegations will be investigated confidentially and in line with council procedures.

5. When This Policy Applies

This policy applies to workplace conduct and work-related conduct outside the workplace including meetings, events and social media activity that may affect the council’s reputation.

Areas of Application

• Recruitment based on aptitude and ability
• Training to promote equality principles
• Employment conditions reviewed for fairness
• Compliance with Equality Act 2010 public sector duties

This policy does not form part of the contract of employment.

Diversity and Inclusion Statement

Millom Town Council values individuals from different cultures, perspectives and experiences and aims to recruit, develop and retain talent regardless of background.

The council promotes respect, dignity and inclusion and works within the Equality Act 2010.

Unnecessary barriers to training and development will be removed.

Annex – Types of Discrimination

Direct Discrimination

Treating someone less favourably because of a protected characteristic.

This includes associated discrimination and perceptive discrimination.

Indirect Discrimination

Applying a condition that disadvantages a particular group without justification.

Victimisation

Treating someone unfairly because they asserted legal rights or supported others.

Harassment

Unwanted conduct that violates dignity or creates an intimidating or hostile environment.

This policy will be monitored and reviewed annually.