Policy Statement

Justice For Children CIC is committed to promoting equality, embracing diversity, and fostering an inclusive environment where everyone is treated with dignity, fairness and respect.

We believe that every child, parent, family member, volunteer, supporter and member of the public deserves equal opportunity regardless of background or personal characteristics.

Our organisation is committed to ensuring that discrimination, harassment, bullying and victimisation have no place within Justice For Children CIC.

Our guiding principle remains:

Children First. Always.

Purpose

This policy sets out how Justice For Children CIC promotes equality and inclusion throughout all aspects of its work, including:

Our website and online platforms

Volunteers and Directors

Public engagement

Campaigning and awareness activities

Partnerships with other organisations

Community events

Future recruitment of staff and volunteers

Our Commitment

Justice For Children CIC will:

Treat everyone fairly and respectfully.

Promote equal opportunities.

Value different backgrounds and experiences.

Create an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome.

Challenge discrimination wherever appropriate.

Make reasonable adjustments wherever possible.

Promote a culture of kindness, professionalism and respect.

Protected Characteristics

Justice For Children CIC recognises the protected characteristics contained within the Equality Act 2010.

We do not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of:

Age

Disability

Gender reassignment

Marriage or civil partnership

Pregnancy or maternity

Race

Religion or belief

Sex

Sexual orientation

We also treat people fairly regardless of:

Socio-economic background

Family circumstances

Caring responsibilities

Neurodiversity

Mental health

Previous involvement with the family justice system

where appropriate and within the law.

Inclusion

We want everyone interacting with Justice For Children CIC to feel:

Welcome

Respected

Safe

Listened to

Included

We recognise that diversity strengthens organisations and improves decision making by bringing different perspectives and experiences.

Our Behaviour Standards

Everyone representing Justice For Children CIC is expected to:

Treat others with dignity and respect.

Use appropriate and professional language.

Respect differing opinions.

Listen without prejudice.

Challenge behaviour that is discriminatory or abusive.

Act in a way that reflects the values of Justice For Children CIC.

Zero Tolerance

Justice For Children CIC operates a zero-tolerance approach towards:

Harassment

Bullying

Hate speech

Racism

Sexism

Homophobia

Transphobia

Religious discrimination

Disability discrimination

Personal abuse

Intimidation

Individuals who breach these standards may be removed from our online communities, events, partnerships or volunteer activities.

Accessibility

Justice For Children CIC aims to make information as accessible as reasonably possible.

We will seek to:

Use clear language.

Improve website accessibility.

Consider different communication needs.

Make reasonable adjustments where practical.

Remove unnecessary barriers to participation.

Recruitment and Volunteers

Where Justice For Children CIC recruits volunteers, Directors or future employees, appointments will be based on:

Skills

Experience

Suitability

Integrity

Commitment to our mission

Recruitment decisions will never be based on unlawful discrimination.

Partnerships

Justice For Children CIC seeks to work with organisations that share our commitment to:

Equality

Inclusion

Respect

Child welfare

Professional conduct

Partnerships may be declined where an organisation's values are fundamentally inconsistent with those of Justice For Children CIC.

Reporting Concerns

Anyone who believes they have experienced discrimination, harassment or unfair treatment involving Justice For Children CIC is encouraged to contact us.

All concerns will be treated seriously, investigated fairly and handled confidentially where possible.

Monitoring

Justice For Children CIC will review this policy regularly to ensure it remains:

Effective

Lawful

Relevant

Reflective of best practice

Policies will normally be reviewed annually or sooner where legislation or organisational changes require.

Responsibility

Overall responsibility for this policy rests with the Directors of Justice For Children CIC.

Everyone representing the organisation shares responsibility for promoting equality, diversity and inclusion through their conduct and decision making.