1. Policy Statement
Coast Medic Ambulance Ltd is committed to ensuring equality of opportunity, promoting diversity, and fostering an inclusive environment in all areas of our work. We believe that by valuing differences, treating people fairly, and ensuring everyone can participate fully, we deliver better care, create a stronger workforce, and reflect the communities we serve.
We will comply with the Equality Act 2010 and meet the expectations of the Care Quality Commission (CQC), ensuring our policies and practices eliminate discrimination, advance equality, and encourage inclusion.
2. Scope
This policy applies to:
- All employees, agency staff, contractors, and volunteers.
- All patients, service users, event organisers, and members of the public.
- All areas of employment and service delivery.
3. Our Commitments
Equality
- Provide fair access to recruitment, employment, training, and development opportunities.
- Ensure decisions are made based on merit and suitability, not bias or stereotypes.
- Make reasonable adjustments for people with disabilities.
Diversity
- Actively seek to attract, retain, and support people from under-represented groups.
- Recognise and value differences in background, culture, and perspective.
- Ensure our policies and practices reflect the diversity of the communities we serve.
Inclusion
- Create a workplace and service environment where everyone feels respected, safe, and able to contribute.
- Deliver patient care that is sensitive to cultural, religious, and personal needs.
- Maintain zero tolerance for bullying, harassment, or victimisation.
4. Responsibilities
- Directors and Senior Managers: Ensure this policy is implemented, monitored, and reviewed.
- Managers: Lead inclusively, tackle discriminatory behaviour, and support fair practice.
- Staff and Volunteers: Treat colleagues, patients, and the public with dignity and respect, and report concerns.
5. Implementation and Monitoring
- All staff will receive EDI training appropriate to their role.
- Recruitment, promotion, and development processes will be reviewed for fairness.
- We will monitor workforce data (in line with GDPR) to identify and remove barriers.
- We will consult with staff and service users on ways to improve inclusivity.
6. Breaches of Policy
Breaches of this policy will be taken seriously and may lead to disciplinary action or termination of employment/engagement.
7. Review
This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if required by legislative or regulatory changes.