Equality and Diversity Policy

Aims

The Carers Social Group is open to carers of learning disabled and autistic adults. We aim create a supportive network that is of benefit to all carers, in which we respect and care for each other. In particular, we aim to treat every carer equally, regardless of their age, disability, gender, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.

Accessibility

All our meetings and events are held in venues that are accessible to wheelchair users. When there are more than 40 people at an event we aim to use a PA system. When we organise events for our members we ensure that venues are accessible and suitable for all abilities. We recognise that our members suffer additional financial hardship as a result of their caring role and from inequalities in society and so we aim to make our own events low to no-cost, as far as possible. When choosing an outside venue or service, such as restaurant for a group meal, we will always select somewhere that is affordable for unpaid carers. We are committed to ensuring any carer living in Greenwich is able to either attend our activities in person or participate as they wish on our social media networks, so we will regularly reassess our access requirements to meet the needs of carers.

Diversity

We aim to organise a range of events and activities to suit the interests and meet the needs of a wide variety of people. We do this by asking our members what social events they would like us to organise and provide a range of options that cater for everyone. The Carers Social Group is open to new ideas and will particularly prioritise opportunities for carers to share their cultural heritage with one another.

Inclusion and respect

Every member of the Carers Social Group will be made to feel equally welcome and included at all Carers Social Group meetings and events. Sexist, racist, homophobic, transphobic or otherwise offensive and inflammatory remarks and behaviour are not acceptable. These constitute harassment, and have no place in the Carers Social Group.

Dealing with discrimination and harassment

If any member of the Carers Social Group feels they have been discriminated against by the Carers Social Group or harassed at a Carers Social Group event they should raise this with the Chair. The Chair will investigate the complaint, listening to all members involved. Anyone who is found to have harassed or discriminated against another member will be excluded.

If the complaint is against a particular individual, this person will have the opportunity to express their point of view, accompanied by a friend. The person making the complaint will also have this opportunity.

If the complaint is against the Carers Social Group as a whole, the Chair must work to ensure that such discrimination is not repeated in the future, and must inform the members of how they propose to do this.

The Carers Social Group will support people who feel they have been harassed or discriminated against, and will not victimise or treat them less well because they have raised this.

This policy was approved by the CSG committee on 15 March 2024 and will be reviewed next on 15 March 2026. We always welcome suggestions as to how to improve our equality and diversity commitment.