Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy

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1. Policy Statement

Alison Wilson Associates Ltd is committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of our work. We aim to create an environment in which all associates, clients, and partners are treated with dignity, fairness, and respect.

We believe that a diverse and inclusive workplace enhances wellbeing, improves professional practice, and strengthens the quality of services we provide. Discrimination, harassment, or victimisation of any kind will not be tolerated.

This policy reflects our commitment to complying with the Equality Act 2010 and all relevant UK employment legislation.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• Employees      and directors
• Contractors,      consultants, and associates
• Job      applicants and volunteers
• Clients      and service users
• Suppliers      and business partners

The policy covers all areas of employment and service delivery, including recruitment, training, promotion, pay, working conditions, and professional interactions.

3. Our Commitment

Alison Wilson Associates Ltd is committed to:

• Providing      equal opportunities in employment and service delivery.
• Ensuring      decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and professional competence.
• Promoting      a culture of inclusion and respect.
• Preventing      discrimination, bullying, harassment, and victimisation.
• Making      reasonable adjustments where required to support individuals.
• Delivering      services that are accessible and respectful of individual differences.

4. Protected Characteristics

We will not tolerate discrimination based on any protected characteristic as defined under the Equality Act 2010, including:

• Age
• Disability
• Gender      reassignment
• Marriage      or civil partnership
• Pregnancy      or maternity
• Race      (including colour, nationality, and ethnic origin)
• Religion      or belief
• Sex
• Sexual      orientation

5. Recruitment and Employment Practices

We are committed to fair and transparent recruitment practices by:

• Advertising      opportunities openly where appropriate.
• Selecting      candidates based on skills, experience, and suitability for the role.
• Providing      equal access to training and development opportunities.
• Making      reasonable adjustments during recruitment and employment where needed.
• Ensuring      fair treatment in pay, progression, and working conditions.

6. Service Delivery

As an occupational health and counselling provider, we recognise the importance of inclusive and non-judgemental practice. We aim to:

• Provide      services that respect cultural, social, and individual differences.
• Maintain      professional boundaries and ethical standards.
• Ensure      clients feel safe, respected, and supported.
• Promote      equality of access to services wherever reasonably possible.

7. Responsibilities

Management Responsibilities

Management will:

• Promote      equality, diversity, and inclusion across the organisation.
• Ensure      policies and procedures are applied fairly.
• Address      complaints or concerns promptly and appropriately.
• Provide      a safe and respectful working environment.

Employee and Associate Responsibilities

All staff and associates are expected to:

• Treat      others with dignity and respect.
• Avoid      discriminatory or inappropriate behaviour.
• Challenge      or report unacceptable conduct where appropriate.
• Support      an inclusive workplace culture.

8. Harassment, Bullying and Victimisation

Harassment, bullying, or victimisation will not be tolerated under any circumstances. Any individual who experiences or witnesses such behaviour is encouraged to report it through appropriate management channels.

All complaints will be treated seriously, confidentially, and investigated fairly.

9. Reasonable Adjustments

We will make reasonable adjustments to remove barriers faced by employees, applicants, or clients with disabilities or health conditions wherever practicable.

10. Monitoring and Review

Alison Wilson Associates Ltd will periodically review its practices and policies to ensure ongoing compliance with equality legislation and to promote continuous improvement in inclusion and fairness.

11. Breaches of Policy

Failure to comply with this policy may result in appropriate action, which may include disciplinary measures or termination of contractual arrangements where applicable.

12. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if there are changes in legislation or organisational requirements.

Approved by: Alison Wilson
Name: Alison Wilson
Position: Director
Date: 2 Jan 2026

© Alison Wilson Associates Ltd