Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy.

This policy sets out our commitment to promoting equality and preventing discrimination in all aspects of our work. It applies to how we recruit and support trustees, staff and volunteers; how we design and deliver our programmes; how we engage with partners and communities; and how we present ourselves publicly.

This policy applies to all trustees, staff, volunteers, contractors and partner organisations associated with South Asian Heritage Trust. All individuals are expected to uphold the principles set out in this policy in their interactions with colleagues, communities and the public.

South Asian Heritage Trust will not unlawfully discriminate against any person on the grounds of any protected characteristic as set out in the Equality Act 2010. These include:

• Age
• Disability
• Gender reassignment
• Marriage and civil partnership
• Pregnancy and maternity
• Race, including colour, nationality and ethnic or national origin
• Religion or belief
• Sex
• Sexual orientation

We are committed to preventing all forms of discrimination, including:

• Direct discrimination: Treating someone less favourably because of a protected characteristic
• Indirect discrimination: Applying a provision, criterion or practice that disadvantages people who share a protected characteristic
• Harassment: Unwanted conduct related to a protected characteristic that violates dignity or creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading or offensive environment
• Victimisation: Treating someone unfairly because they have made or supported a complaint of discrimination

South Asian Heritage Trust engages with communities across a wide range of faiths, beliefs and cultural backgrounds. We make every effort to ensure that our work, communications and events are respectful and inclusive of all faith communities and belief systems. We do not privilege any single faith, denomination or religious perspective in our programming.

The Trust does not hold or express political affiliations and makes every effort to remain impartial on political matters in all its public-facing work. Trustees, staff and volunteers are expected to ensure that their conduct does not associate the Trust with any political party or campaign.

South Asian Heritage Trust commits to:

• Fostering an inclusive environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect
• Ensuring that recruitment, selection and volunteering opportunities are open and accessible to all
• Designing programmes and events that are accessible and welcoming to diverse communities
• Challenging and addressing discriminatory attitudes and behaviour wherever they arise
• Taking seriously any concerns or complaints about equality and discrimination
• Regularly reviewing our practices to identify and address barriers to inclusion
• Promoting representation and diversity in our governance, staffing and volunteering

The Trustee Board holds ultimate responsibility for ensuring this policy is upheld. The Chief Officer is responsible for its day-to-day implementation. All trustees, staff, volunteers and partners share responsibility for promoting equality and inclusion in their conduct and interactions.

Any individual who believes they have experienced or witnessed discrimination, harassment or victimisation should report this to the Chief Officer. Where the concern relates to the Chief Officer, it should be raised with the Chair of the Trustee Board.

Any breach of this policy will be taken seriously. Depending on the severity of the breach, this may result in disciplinary action, termination of a volunteer placement, or referral to appropriate external authorities. Complaints will be handled in accordance with our Complaints and Compliments Policy.