EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

POLICY for RECOVERY

RECOVERY Equality Statement

Equal opportunities are a part of RECOVERY’s mission. We will work together as a team to make sure that everyone has equal access to RECOVERY’s support systems. We promote weekly training sessions that encourage survivors to talk about Mental Health allowing them to feel that they belong to a group that will listen to them and act according to their wishes.

RECOVERY provides alternative therapies such as Therapeutic Art Workshop, Centering Therapyand Creative Enterprises. We respect the individuality of service users and ensure their needs aremet.

At RECOVERY we do not discriminate against any individuals with Mental Health issues. We do not refer to peoples’ diagnosis or put them into boxes according to their symptoms. We work with everyone who can meet our mission- as staff, volunteers, and other organisations, regardless of their sexuality, race, religion and gender.

 

* Everyone who uses the group is treated equally.

* Whether they are male or female or from different ethnic origins, or of a different religion or no religion atall. There should be no discrimination or prejudice towards them.

* Those who have found a way to good mental/physical health and by those still suffering give support to those who have continuing health problems, either mental or physical.

* An effort is made to recognise that we are all one and we should treat eachother as we would wish to be treated without discrimination or prejudice.

* All classes, courses, services and activities will be advertised locally and where applicable charges will be made (e.g. personal budgets). If charges do no apply, any donation will be gratefully accepted.

* All services within RECOVERY (i.e. advocacy, visiting or campaigning) will be free and on a volunteer basis except when RECOVERY is able to secure Direct Payments for an individual.

* Normally the rule is that a member/committee member/trustee works as a volunteer. However when a member/committee member/trustee does an above average amount of work or professional work for the group or charity, then their personal interests and their duty to the charity can be conflicted. Conflict of interests must always ensure transparency by having explicit authorisation of the material benefit; and the committee managing it properly and openly. A volunteer who would like to have a paid position has to apply for funding under the auspices of RECOVERY.

* All accusations of impropriety must be avoided at all costs in order to maintain the charity’s good
reputation.

* When funding is available for a paid position the opportunity will be advertised internally and if the
income is above £5,000 p.a externally as well.

RECOVERY Services
RECOVERY has different types of services

Marketing, Communication and Fundraising.
RECOVERY places heavy emphasis on its patrons. We at RECOVERY strive to cultivate whenever feasible reciprocal partnerships as part of a wider society of Leicester. Our Charity aims to make it so that everyone is aware of our efforts and is knowledgeable.

Fundraising at RECOVERY involves a group of Volunteers that include service users and staff going into the community to raise awareness of issue relevant to the mandate of RECOVERY and the distribution of materials to further propagate awareness.

 

Voluntary and survivor Contributions
RECOVERY considers efforts of its volunteers Trustees and survivor to be of prime importance. We feel that survivors must form empathic bonds with their community so that they can bring unique personal life events to others.

 

RECOVERY has one of the widest diversity basis in the mental health sector, we aim all our partners meet similar principles. We push this diversity enrich our survivors lives.

The trustee’s board is in place so that RECOVERY can make decisions that reflect the best interests
of the members.

Employment
We at RECOVERY are committed to developing a diverse workforce because we believe this best meets the needs of the individuals we aim to support and serve. Our workforce will always include a valued cadre of staff who themselves have experience of mental distress, and carers who are interested in allowing Service Users to choose their way to wellbeing.

RECOVERY Staff come from a wide range of backgrounds. We recognise that Survivors of Mental Health problems are experts in their knowledge of wellbeing.

We will help employees to develop skills and knowledge to be effective within the roles they perform and reach their own potential. Managers will be supported in dealing with discrimination, harassment and bullying in the workplace or any other act motivated by prejudice swiftly and appropriately.

Other areas covered by our employment equality policy will be:
• equal opportunities in application, selection and recruitment procedures.
• pay and terms and conditions;
• promotion; development and access to training, management training and development,

RECOVERY is also working on developing policies to cover: adoption leave, compassionate leave, dependents leave, flexible working, maternity leave, paternity leave, parental leave, and religious observance leave.
Positive action will be taken to ensure that the intentions of the equal opportunities policy are taken into consideration through all procedures and practices of recruitment and staff development.

Monitoring
We will continuously assess our progress in relation to equalities and diversity objectives, by monitoring it.

We expect all RECOVERY workers to take a full part in the advancement of equalities and diversity in employment, the provision of services and the advancement of better mental health. Training, management procedures, the development of an internal network of champions, and new performance indicators will be essential in bringing this policy to full effect.

Status of this Policy Statement
This policy takes full account of all the UK legal requirements relating to employment, goods and services which outlaw direct or indirect discrimination and harassment on the grounds of race, sex, disability, religion, and sexual orientation and victimisation of any person who has asserted their rights under the relevant legislation.