Equal opportunities policy template

What is this for?

The purpose of an equal opportunities policy is to ensure that all employees and job applicants are treated fairly and without discrimination, regardless of their age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, disability, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic.

The main objectives of an equal opportunities policy are:

1. To eliminate discrimination: The policy aims to eliminate any form of discrimination in recruitment, promotion, training, or any other aspect of employment.

2. To promote diversity: The policy seeks to promote diversity in the workplace by encouraging applications from underrepresented groups and creating a welcoming and inclusive work environment.

3. To comply with the law: The policy ensures that the employer complies with relevant anti-discrimination legislation, such as the Equality Act 2010 in the UK.

4. To promote fairness and inclusion: The policy aims to create a fair and inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued and respected.

5. To prevent harassment and bullying: The policy sets out a zero-tolerance approach to harassment and bullying, and provides guidance on how to report and address such behavior.

An equal opportunities policy is an important tool in promoting diversity and creating an inclusive workplace culture. It helps to prevent discrimination and ensures that all employees have the opportunity to reach their full potential, regardless of their background or personal characteristics.

• Equality Act 2010: This legislation requires employers to eliminate discrimination, harassment, and victimisation, and to promote equal opportunities in recruitment, training, promotion, and other aspects of employment.

• Human Rights Act 1998: This legislation incorporates the European Convention on Human Rights into UK law, and protects employees from discrimination and other human rights violations.

• The Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED): This duty requires public sector organisations, including some employers, to eliminate discrimination, advance equality of opportunity, and foster good relations between different groups.

• The Gender Pay Gap Regulations 2017: These regulations require certain employers to report on their gender pay gap and take action to address any disparities.

• The Disability Discrimination Act 1995: This legislation requires employers to make reasonable adjustments to support employees with disabilities and to prevent discrimination against them.

• The Race Relations Act 1976: This legislation makes it unlawful to discriminate against employees on the grounds of race or ethnic origin, and requires employers to promote equal opportunities and good relations between different racial groups.

• The Equality Act 2010 (Gender Reassignment) Regulations 2021: These regulations require employers to take steps to support transgender employees and to prevent discrimination against them.

• The Age Discrimination Regulations 2006: These regulations prohibit discrimination on the grounds of age in employment, training, and other areas, and require employers to promote age equality.

It is important for employers to understand and comply with these and other relevant employment legislations when implementing an equal opportunities policy to ensure that their policies and practices are in line with the law and promote equality and diversity in the workplace.