EAST BERGHOLT PARISH COUNCIL
Equality and Diversity Policy

1. Policy Statement
East Bergholt Parish Council is committed to ensuring that equality and
diversity is reflected in everything it does including policy choices and decision
making, employment, service delivery and working with others.
Members of the Council, employees, partners, volunteers, residents and
customers will be treated fairly and equally and no groups or individuals will
be discriminated against on the grounds which are identified as protected
characteristics in the Equality Act 2010.
East Bergholt Parish Council opposes all forms of unlawful and unfair
discrimination whether direct or indirect, victimisation or harassment, on the
grounds of any of the protected characteristics.
2. Legal Position
It is unlawful to discriminate against an individual on the following protected
characteristics:
 Age
 Disability
 Gender reassignment
 Marriage and Civil Partnership status
 Pregnancy
 Maternity and paternity leave
 Race
 Religion or belief
 Sex
 Sexual orientation

In addition, as a public authority, East Bergholt Parish Council recognises its
responsibilities under the Public Sector Equality Duty to have regard to the
need to:

 eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment, victimisation
 advance equality of opportunity between persons who share a
protected characteristic and those who do not
 foster good relations between people of different backgrounds
 seek to influence partner and voluntary organisations in a collective
commitment to equality of opportunity;

3. Policy and decision-making

The Council will ensure that it gives due consideration to the equality
implications of its policies and in the decisions it makes. In reviewing its
policies, it will have regard to the requirements of this policy.

4. Employment

The Council will ensure that all employees, contractors and volunteers are
treated fairly, regardless of their protected characteristics and are given equal
opportunities. All employment related decisions (including recruitment,
promotion, training and renumeration) will be based on individual merit, skills
and aptitude.

East Bergholt Parish Council will treat any unacceptable behaviour seriously,
including challenging any discrimination or oppressive behaviour towards our
employees, councillors or volunteers by members of the public.

Employees can also be held personally liable as well as, or instead of, the
Council for any act of unlawful discrimination. Employees who commit
serious acts of harassment may be guilty of a criminal offence.

5. Service Delivery and working with others

The Council recognises its role in ensuring residents and service users are
treated fairly and with respect when interacting with the Council and its’
representatives. It provides services to the community directly, often using
contractors and volunteers and also in partnership with other organisations.

The Council will also seek to ensure that the premises used for council
meetings and events are accessible for all members of the community as well
as ensuring accessibility of all fixed assets and facilities.

6. Implementation

The Council will ensure that everyone involved in its work is supported and
encouraged to improve service, and in its commitment to creating an inclusive
environment where residents, councillors, employees and volunteers are
treated with dignity and respect.

This policy underpins all decisions taken by the Council and all actions taken
on its behalf by Members and employees and all other associated individuals
who are subject to Council policies and procedures.

Any reported and potential breaches of this policy will be taken seriously and
be investigated by the Council’s Chair and/or Clerk as appropriate, and prior
to implementing any formal disciplinary or legal follow up actions, which might
be considered.

Agreed and adopted by East Bergholt Parish Council: February 2026

Next review: February 2027