Bristol Older People's ForumEqualities and Diversity Policy

We support the principles of equality that form part of our core values, as individuals and as an organisation. We value diversity and recognise that every human being has a unique and valuable contribution to make, irrespective of their age, nationality, faith or religious belief, gender, or gender identity, race and sexual orientation. We promote inclusion of all and every person over 55, and amongst those over 55, we undertake to leave no-one 'on the outside'.We reject discrimination, whether direct or indirect, intentional or not and will campaign with other Equality Partners to eradicate it from our communities.By discrimination we mean the unfair treatment of any group or individual through, for example, exclusion, hostile language, denigration, harassment, humiliation or victimisation, the failure to accommodate specific needs and sensibilities of others.The Equality Act 2010 brought together all preceding Acts of Parliament that legislate against discrimination. Employees, Officers and management committee members have an implicit duty to ensure that BOPF is compliant with the letter and the spirit of the Act by:

Ensuring all our Policies apply the strictest controls to remove every form of discrimination against employees, management committee members, volunteers and members, as well as members of the public.

Promoting understanding of diversity by celebrating difference amongst our members, distributing information from other Equality Fora and promoting events and other educational opportunities.

Challenging language and behaviour that are discriminatory, rejecting and eliminating terms and expressions that are disparaging, offensive or humiliating.

Immediately step in to protect anyone subjected to abuse, harassment or bullying in the presence of any representative of the Forum.

Declining to engage with organisations, individuals, publications or public figures who openly promote or support discrimination, promote hatred or ridicule difference.

Making the strongest representation on behalf of those victimised and bear witness to the offence(s) committed against them.

We shall regularly review our policies to ensure that they are fully compliant with the Equality Act and, where possible, invite comment and suggestions by stakeholders as to ways we can better fulfil our role as Equality Champions.

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