Introduction 

Fleet and District Voluntary Care Scheme, known as Communicare Equality & Diversity Policy demonstrates its belief that freedom from discrimination and equality of opportunity are fundamental rights and that each person should be valued regardless of age, race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion or belief, HIV status and social class. We recognise that discrimination and victimisation is unacceptable. We aims to ensure that no volunteer receives less favourable facilities or treatment (either directly or indirectly) in recruitment, training or when volunteering on grounds of age, disability gender/gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation (protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010).  We will organise its activities to ensure that diversity is valued and equality of opportunity promoted.

Dealing with discrimination and harassment

Communicare will ensure that complaints of discrimination, bullying and/or harassment, or information from volunteers or clients relating to such complaints, will be dealt with fairly and confidentially and sensitively using the general format set out in the GNN Complaints policy.  We will ensure that where complaints of bullying or harassment involve a trustee another appropriate trustee will be available to deal with the complaint. We will ensure that complaints will be taken seriously and investigated promptly, objectively and independently and that decisions are made as to what action needs to be taken. We will take into account that sometimes people are not aware that their behaviour is inappropriate/offensive and an informal discussion can lead to greater understanding and an agreement that the behaviour will cease.  

Communicare understands that if the complaint is against an individual, this person will have the opportunity to express their point of view, accompanied by a friend. We will ensure that the person making the complaint will also have this opportunity. If the complaint is against the Group as a whole, the committee must work to ensure that such discrimination is not repeated in the future and must inform the members of how they propose to do this. We understand that any decision to deselect a volunteer from the Group due to discriminatory or harassing behaviour will be made with reference to our constitution. We will support people who feel they have been harassed or discriminated against and will not victimise or treat them less well because they have raised this. When somebody makes an unfounded allegation of discrimination, bullying and/or harassment for malicious reasons the case should be investigated and dealt with fairly and objectively under the Complaints procedure. 

Communicare will provide activities which 

• Promote and support individual rights and choices
• Acknowledge individuals’ personal beliefs and identity
• Ensure effective communication
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information within GNN policies/guidance
• Promotes anti-discriminatory practice
• Function within the confines of safeguarding of adults at risk 

Policy adopted on  - 20th February 2026             Date for review -  February 2028

Name -  Kate Harvey, Chair of Communicare                  Signed   Kate Harvey