Equal opportunities policy template – why is it necessary?
Diversity and inclusion: A diverse and inclusive workforce is not just a benefit to a business – it’s a necessity in the modern age. Countless studies have shown that not only do diverse and inclusive companies report higher profits, but they also report happier teams and improved hiring processes. In a recent study, four in five candidates globally said diversity and inclusion is at the very top of their priority list.
Importance of this equal opportunities policy template: A diverse and inclusive workforce extends beyond ambitions to create a thriving company culture – there is also the legal infrastructure that a business needs to be aware of when building a team. With that in mind, any business worth its salt should use an equal opportunities policy template to create a document that confirms its commitment to creating an inclusive culture.
Find out more by reading this guide.
What does this equal opportunities policy template include?
Content of this equal opportunities policy template: This equal opportunities policy template outlines and confirms an organisation’s commitment to having an inclusive culture that respects diversity and equity. It differentiates between actions (or omissions) that breach UK law and voluntary practices an employer can undertake to improve its work culture. It also explains the consequences should an employee breach the policy, and how to report any concerns. The equal opportunities policy template includes the option to include the following sections:
- About the policy - This section explains the purpose of this policy, and why the business has it in place. It also includes details of who at the business is responsible for the policy, as well as diversity and inclusion generally within the business.
- Discrimination - This section makes it clear that discrimination is prohibited and includes details of the different types of discrimination that can take place.
- Recruitment - This section sets out the principles and processes that must be followed to ensure that the business avoids discrimination in its recruitment and other selection exercises.
- Disabilities - This section sets out the process for people with disabilities notifying them to the business, to ensure that reasonable adjustments or other appropriate support can be put in place.
- Part-time and fixed-term employees - This section makes it clear that part-time and fixed-term employees should be treated the same as comparable full-time or permanent employees and enjoy no less favourable terms and conditions.
- Breaches - This section explains what happens if someone breaches the policy, and also outlines the process for raising grievances that relate to the policy.
- Contact information - This section includes contact details of who to contact with ideas to improve diversity and inclusion in the workplace, and who to contact with concerns about equal opportunities.
How do I implement an equal opportunities policy template?
Put the policy into practice: It is important that you embed the policy into your working practices. A policy alone will not protect an employer against a claim of discrimination. In the event of a claim, the court or employment tribunal will examine whether the policy has been put into practice.
Measure success: measuring the success of an equality and diversity policy can be challenging, but there are several indicators that can help you assess its impact:
- Diversity metrics: track diversity within your workforce, particularly in terms of gender, ethnicity, age, disability, and other protected characteristics. An increase in diversity, particularly in senior roles, can indicate that your policy is having a positive effect.
- Employee feedback: regularly survey your employees to gather feedback on the inclusivity of your workplace. Are they aware of the policy? Do they feel that the workplace is fair and inclusive? Use this feedback to identify areas for improvement.
- Recruitment and retention: assess the diversity of candidates applying for positions at your company and track the retention rates of diverse employees. A positive trend in these areas can indicate that your policy is helping to attract and retain a diverse workforce.
Find out more by reading these FAQs.
Why use Docue's equal opportunities policy template?
Created by lawyers: With Docue, you can easily create a top-quality equal opportunities policy. The equal opportunities policy template includes model clauses designed by experienced lawyers to help you draft the policy yourself and tailor it to your needs.
Secure archive: After you have created your bespoke policy, you can store it (and any other documents) in Docue’s secure storage vault, Docue Drive.
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