Vanessa Boon Chief Difference-Maker & MD, Energise How to develop an effective Equality and Diversity Policy that makes a difference © Energise,

Overview What is an Equality and Diversity Policy? Why your policy matters Where are you now? How to develop a meaningful policy Building your policy Implementation - making it real

What is an Equality and Diversity Policy? Every organisation needs an Equality & Diversity Policy. It sets out your standards and aspirations about being a fair organisation, representative body, employer, service provider, business and contributor to society. It also sets out how your organisation intends to meet its legal requirements under the Equality Act 2010.

Why your policy matters It the sets the tone for your organisation. It spells out how you will put your values into practice. It is the first document people will turn to if they wish to know or evaluate your position on equality and diversity. If an employer does not have or implement a policy that deals with the consequences of discriminatory actions by its employees and other third parties, it may be found to be liable for those actions.

Good reputation Why does equality and diversity matter to SUs? Credibility e.g. liberation campaigns, democracy Liberation Inclusion Business = attract diverse custom Social justice Set an example to other organisations Widening participation

Where are you now? What impression does your current policy give about your SU’s commitment to equality and diversity? Does your policy reflect your aspirations to change the world for the better? Does your policy reflect the best of your work on liberation? How would your policy compare with the policy of organisations your members might wish to criticise or lobby for improvements on equality? e.g. University, College, Police, Government, Employers, Contractors, Sponsors

Where are you now? What’s stopping you? Challenges

How to develop a meaningful policy 1.Engage stakeholders (people affected by the policy) 2.Gain inspiration (lots of good practice already exists) 3.Build your policy (using helpful building blocks and example wording in the NUS guide)

How to develop a meaningful policy – Engage stakeholders 1. Engage stakeholders – they shape the policy. Activity: In emotionally expressive, poetic, juicy language: 1. What inequalities do you want to change in the SU/world? 2. Why do you care? Why not just look the other way? 3. In a fair and inclusive world, what would be different? Other ideas to engage stakeholders?

How to develop a meaningful policy – Gain inspiration 2. Gain inspiration – good practice examples

How to develop a meaningful policy – Build Your Policy Building Blocks The guide explains each section heading and what to include with real examples

Policy language Working with respect and REGARDS so that no-one gets left behind Race & ethnicity Economic disadvantage Gender & gender identity Age Religion or belief Disability Sexual orientation Are you working with REGARDS or disREGARDS? Equality, Diversity, Inclusion, Liberation, Equity, Structural inequalities, Intersections, Unconscious Bias, Zero tolerance….

Implementation How do you ensure that your policy is put into practice? Senior champions Clear roles – who is responsible for what Launch and communicate the policy Diversity Committee to drive and evaluate progress Training to equip everyone to implement policy Awareness and learning events Targeted projects and campaigns to address needs Data monitoring and action to address issues Mystery shoppers Good practice kitemarks, benchmarking Regular review > Think of all the things you do on Health & Safety

Summary Remember the why – the passion to change the world Bring ambition and juicy language to your policy Engage stakeholders - they’ll champion the policy they helped to create Don’t over-complicate it – just Engage, Inspiration, Build There is a handy guide on the Diversity Hub to help you Make it real – not just words on paper

Food for thought “Talk does not cook rice” Chinese Proverb Thank-you