Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity
Little Lives UK is committed to eliminating discrimination and encouraging inclusivity amongst our workforce. This means no job applicant, member of staff, volunteer or customer receives less favourable treatment because of:
▪ Ethnic or national origin
▪ Gender
▪ Gender identity
▪ Sexual orientation
▪ Age
▪ Disability
▪ Religion or belief
▪ Political opinion
▪ Social position
▪ Gender reassignment
▪ Pregnancy
What is discrimination?
Discrimination is treating one person less favourably than another or applying a condition which is more difficult for some people to comply with than others. Discrimination claims can be upheld in court even if the person accused did not intend to discriminate.
Who is responsible?
All employees and volunteers are responsible for making sure we uphold our Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity policy.
What must I do?
▪ Avoid using inappropriate language and jokes, even if it is not meant unkindly as it may offend employees or customers
▪ Avoid stereotyping or judging
▪ Be sensitive to people’s needs, these can include prayer times, fasting and religious holidays.
Equality
ls about managing differences so that everyone has an equal opportunity through a fair and consistent approach to the application of rules, policies and procedure.
Diversity
ls about understanding, recognising and valuing differences.
Inclusivity
ls about bringing together and harnessing diverse forces and resources in a way that is beneficial to all who are covered by our policy.
Safeguarding
Little Lives UK is committed to safeguarding all children (under 18) and adults at risk (anyone over 18 who may be vulnerable) that comes into contact with our work.
What if I have a concern?
If you need to talk to someone or report a safeguarding concern please contact your line Manager. If you would like to report a concern externally, please contact the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000 or your Local Authority.
Disability Discrimination Act
What the law means for us
The law requires that we must remove or alter any physical features in our shops which make it impossible or unreasonably difficult for people with a disability to use our services.
This would include:
▪ Steps (Inside and outside)
▪ Narrow aisles
▪ Fitting rooms that are too small for a wheelchair.
The law recognises this is not always possible. Cost and space are taken into consideration and where such features cannot be removed we must find a reasonable alternative method of making the service available by providing appropriate assistance.
Helping a customer with a disability
We usually think of someone with a disability as being in a wheelchair or having impaired sight or hearing, but there are many more disabilities to consider. Not all disabilities will be obvious and not all people with a disability will need special assistance.
What can you do to help to make it easier?
▪ Keep all entrances clear to allow ease of access
▪ If a person is having difficulty entering the shop/store offer assistance or ask another member of staff to do so
▪ If a person is having difficulty you should politely ask them if they need help
▪ If help is needed that you cannot provide you should call your Manager
▪ Always speak to the person with the disability not the carer
▪ Encourage a customer with impaired vision to handle goods and offer to read any relevant notices to them
▪ If speaking to a customer with impaired hearing look directly at them as they may be able to lip read. ln some cases you could ask them to write down their requirements.
Now that you have completed Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity
Here are some suggested questions for you to go through with your trainer:
1. What would you do if you felt that you were being bullied?
2. Who is responsible for making sure we uphold our Equality & Diversity policy?
3. Give some examples of what discrimination is?
4. What would you do if a customer was having difficulty entering the shop?
5. What sort of help would you offer someone with a disability?