Equality Diversity & Inclusion Policy

Document title 

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy 

Approved by 

Board of Trustees 

Approval date 

September 2026 

Review date 

September 2027 

Review frequency 

Annually 

Applies to 

All employees, trustees, and volunteers; contractors, partners, and suppliers working with or on behalf of Heart Heroes; and all individuals accessing Heart Heroes’ services, programmes, and events. 

Related documents 

Not specified 

Purpose 

Heart Heroes is committed to promoting equality, celebrating diversity, and fostering an inclusive environment for all staff, volunteers, trustees, families, and partners. 

We recognise and value the diversity of the communities we serve and aim to ensure that all individuals are treated fairly, with dignity and respect. 

This policy outlines how Heart Heroes ensures compliance with the Equality Act 2010 and its associated duties, promoting equality of opportunity and eliminating unlawful discrimination across all areas of our work. 

Heart Heroes will ensure that no one is treated less favourably or discriminated against on the grounds of: 

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

These are the protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010. 

Policy Statement 

Heart Heroes is committed to ensuring: 

• A culture of respect, inclusion, and belonging across all aspects of the charity’s work. 
• Fair and transparent recruitment, selection, and employment practices. 
• Equal access to opportunities for personal and professional development. 
• Services and activities that are inclusive and accessible to all members of the community. 
• Proactive identification and removal of barriers that may disadvantage individuals or groups. 
• Compliance with all relevant equality, safeguarding, and employment legislation. 

Our Commitments 

Promoting Equality 

We will promote equality of opportunity by: 

• Ensuring all policies and procedures are inclusive and applied fairly. 
• Monitoring our workforce and volunteer base to identify and address under-representation. 
• Making reasonable adjustments for staff, volunteers, and participants with disabilities. 

Valuing Diversity 

We recognise that everyone is unique and that diversity brings strength, creativity, and innovation. 

Heart Heroes encourages the expression of different perspectives and ensures all voices are heard and valued in decision-making. 

Fostering Inclusion 

We are committed to creating an environment where everyone feels respected, supported, and able to contribute fully. We will: 

• Challenge discriminatory behaviour and language. 
• Provide regular equality, diversity and inclusion training. 
• Ensure inclusive communication, imagery, and language in all materials. 

Responsibilities 

All Staff and Volunteers 

• Treat everyone with dignity and respect. 
• Challenge inappropriate behaviour or language. 
• Report any incidents of discrimination or harassment. 

Managers and Coordinators 

• Lead by example in promoting equality and inclusion. 
• Ensure recruitment, training, and progression are fair and open to all. 
• Take prompt and appropriate action on any complaints or breaches of this policy. 

Trustees 

• Oversee implementation of this policy at a strategic level. 
• Ensure compliance with the Equality Act 2010 and Charity Commission expectations. 
• Promote equality and inclusion in all governance decisions and charity operations. 

Raising Concerns 

Heart Heroes encourages anyone who experiences or witnesses discrimination, harassment, or exclusion to report it. 

Reports can be made to a line manager, the Head of Operations, or the Chair of Trustees. 

All concerns will be taken seriously, investigated promptly, and treated confidentially. Retaliation against anyone raising a concern in good faith will not be tolerated and may result in disciplinary action.