EQUAL

OPPORTUNITIES POLICY
__________________________________________________________________________________

As a service provider and employer the UPG is committed to

promoting equal opportunities in everything it does. Our goal is
equality of access and opportunity for everyone who uses our
services or is employed by UPG.

If this policy is to be successfully implemented the involvement and

commitment of everyone will be essential: I hope you will all support
our goals of working towards a working environment that gives
everyone an equal chance to live free from discrimination,
harassment and prejudice.

1. We believe:

- In giving everyone an equal chance to learn, work and

live free from discrimination

- That the diversity of our community is an asset the UPG

- In fighting against discrimination

1.1 The UPG is committed to equal opportunities policies and

action to ensure that its employees and the people it provides
a service to are not discriminated against on the basis of their:

- Age
- Class
- Disability
- Employment status
- Ethnic or national origins, race or colour
- HIV status
- Marital status
- Religious beliefs
- Sex
- Sexuality

1.2 This policy sets out our commitment to opposing all forms of
discrimination.

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1.3 The policy applies to every employee of the UPG and to those
whom it does business with, or is associated with.

1.4 We will do the following:

- Make sure we are a fair and equal employer at all times.

- Make sure that the service we provide is fair

1.5 We will make sure that all of our policies, service plans,
practices and procedures reflect our equal opportunities
policy.

2. OUR COMMITMENT TO PROVIDE SERVICES

2.1 We aim to:

- Provide an accessible and effective service without prejudice

or bias.

- Produce clear information about our services.

- Review and monitor our services to make sure that they do

not discriminate and identify where improvements can be
made.

- Work with others to provide an environment free of

harassment and violence.

- Act promptly if we receive any complaints about the way we

provide services.

3. OUR COMMITMENT TO JOB APPLICANTS AND

EMPLOYEEES

3.1 We are committed to making sure that we provide equal

opportunities in employment.

3.2 The aim of this policy is to make sure that we do not unfairly
discriminate against any job applicant or employee for any
reason.

4. Job Applicants

4.1 We will make sure that we do not discriminate when we

decide whom to employ so that the best people are appointed
to deliver our services.

4.2 We will only consider applicants for jobs on the basis of their
relevant experience, qualification, skills and abilities.

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5. Employees

5.1 We will make sure every employee receives fair and equal
treatment.

5.2 We will value and respect the identities and cultures of our
employees.

5.3 Our employees will be treated fairly in relation to transfers,

redundancy and the operation of grievance and disciplinary
procedures.

5.4 We will ensure that the workplace is free from discrimination

and harassment and will act promptly on any complaints of
discrimination or harassment.

5.5 We will provide a safe work place.

5.6 Wherever possible we will provide a work place which is

accessible to disabled people.

5.7 Whenever possible we will retain in suitable employment an

employee who has become disabled.

5.8 We will give our employees clear information about selection

and training.

5.9 We will wherever possible encourage and help employees to

reach their full potential.

5.10 We will make sure that we work according to the relevant

legislation and statutory codes of practice.

5.11 We will apply our employment equal opportunities policy

through a code if practice for recruitment and promotion,
training programmes and grievance procedures.

5.12 We will monitor and review our equal opportunities policy

regularly.

6. RESPONSIBILITY FOR POLICY AND

IMPLIMENTATION

6.1 Responsibility:

6.2 The UPG Board members, Executive Director and senior

managers will be responsible for the implementation and
monitoring of the policy within the organisation.

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6.3 Each Senior Officer and all employees with supervisory
responsibility have departmental responsibility for
implementing, monitoring and promoting this policy.

6.4 The main responsibility for achieving change lies with the
Executive Director and will involve the participation of all
Senior Officers and all employees.

6.5 Every employee is responsible for putting the policy in place.

6.6 Employees must make sure they do not:

- Discriminate against anyone

- Persuade another employee to discriminate
- Harass or abuse other employees or members of the public
for any reason

7. Implementation

7.1 We will do the following to make sure that the equal

opportunities policy is fully effective.

- Actively promote this equal opportunities policy.

- Regularly monitor and review all of our selection
procedures and criteria and change them if we think they
discriminate against anyone.
- Make sure that all employees and job applicants know
about this policy.
- Take appropriate action (using agreed procedures) if any
employee breaks the conditions of this policy.
- Provide training and guidance, particularly for personnel
staff, line managers and supervisors to make sure that they
understand their legal responsibilities.

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