Purpose and Scope
This policy outlines Autistic Community Hub CIC’s commitment to promoting and embracing equity, diversity and inclusion within our organisation and the wider community. We recognise that our strength lies in the diverse experiences, backgrounds and perspectives of our members, staff, and volunteers.
Principles
Equity
We are dedicated to ensuring that all our members have access to the same opportunities. We understand that unfair barriers must be addressed as quickly as possible, wherever possible.
Diversity
We value and embrace diversity in all its forms, including but not limited to age, gender, ethnicity, race, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, physical abilities and neurodivergence.
Inclusion
We are committed to creating an environment where everyone feels valued, heard and respected. All members, volunteers and staff should feel a sense of belonging.
We believe in an individual’s right to choose not to divulge disabilities or trauma: we focus on responding to access requirements as members describe them, not questioning them.
Commitments
Representation
We will strive for diverse representation at all levels of the organisation and on all projects and initiatives, ensuring that a variety of voices and perspectives are included in decision-making.
Training and Awareness
Where possible, we will provide training on equity, diversity and inclusion to staff, volunteers and members to emphasise understanding, respect and appreciation of individual differences.
Communication
We will promote open dialogues and discussions on EDI topics, ensuring feedback is sought and addressed to continually enhance our initiatives.
Partnerships
In our collaborative efforts with external partners, we will prioritise partnerships that align with our EDI values and promote these principles within the broader community.
Accessibility
We will strive to ensure our digital platforms, events and opportunities are as accessible as possible to all, removing barriers wherever they exist.
Reporting and Accountability
We will regularly evaluate our EDI initiatives, ensuring that we are making tangible progress. We are open to criticism and actively seek to learn from each other and our partners.
Members, staff, and volunteers are encouraged to report any concerns or incidents contrary to this policy. Such concerns will be addressed promptly, with transparency and sensitivity.
We will make efforts to recognise and correct any imbalances of power.
Review
This guidance will be reviewed annually to ensure that it remains effective and aligned with the needs and aspirations of Autistic Community Hub CIC and its community of members, staff, volunteers and partners.
This policy was last updated March 2024.