Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy
Policy Statement:
Altar of Earth is built upon the fundamental belief that connection, healing, and well-being are universal rights, accessible to all. We are profoundly committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and diverse environment where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered, regardless of their background or characteristics. This Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy reflects our unwavering dedication to eliminating discrimination, promoting fairness, and celebrating the rich tapestry of human experience, aligning with the legal frameworks and best practices in both the United Kingdom (UK) and the United States (US).
Our mission to connect to ancestral ties and nature for mental well-being is strengthened by diversity. We believe that by embracing different perspectives, experiences, and identities, we create a richer, more understanding, and more effective space for growth and healing. Discrimination, in any form, undermines trust and hinders connection; therefore, we are committed to fostering an environment free from prejudice and bias, where everyone can thrive authentically.
1. Scope
This policy applies to all aspects of Altar of Earth's operations, including:
All employees (paid and unpaid), volunteers, and contractors.
All applicants for employment or volunteer positions.
All participants in our programs, workshops, and events, whether online or in person.
All interactions with partners, suppliers, and the wider community.
It covers recruitment, selection, training, promotion, terms and conditions of employment, disciplinary and grievance procedures, access to services, and all other activities conducted by or on behalf of Altar of Earth.
2. Definitions
For the purpose of this policy, the following definitions apply, reflecting common understandings across UK and US legal frameworks:
Diversity: The recognition and valuing of differences between people. These differences can be visible or invisible, and include, but are not limited to, race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, disability, age, religion or belief, socioeconomic background, education, family status, neurodiversity, and mental health experience.
Equality: Treating all individuals fairly and giving them equal opportunities, which may sometimes involve treating people differently to achieve a fair outcome (e.g., making reasonable adjustments for disability).
Inclusion: Ensuring that individuals from all backgrounds feel welcome, valued, and able to participate fully in all aspects of Altar of Earth.
Discrimination: Treating an individual less favourably than another, or subjecting them to a disadvantage, based on a protected characteristic. Discrimination can be:
Direct Discrimination: Treating someone less favourably because of a protected characteristic.
Indirect Discrimination: A policy, criterion, or practice that applies to everyone but disadvantages individuals with a particular protected characteristic.
Harassment: Unwanted conduct related to a protected characteristic that has the purpose or effect of violating an individual's dignity or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating, or offensive environment.
Victimisation: Treating someone less favourably because they have made or supported a complaint about discrimination or harassment.
Protected Characteristics (UK - Equality Act 2010): Age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.
Protected Classes (US - broadly, federal and state laws): Race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, genetic information, and often other state-specific characteristics like veteran status or marital status.
3. Legal Frameworks
Altar of Earth is committed to complying with all relevant equal opportunities and anti-discrimination legislation, including but not limited to:
United Kingdom:
Equality Act 2010: Prohibits discrimination on the basis of the nine protected characteristics in employment, education, provision of goods and services, and public functions.
United States (Federal):
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964: Prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, and national origin.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990: Prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in employment, public services, public accommodations, and telecommunications.
Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) of 1967: Prohibits employment discrimination against individuals 40 years of age or older.
Equal Pay Act of 1963: Prohibits sex-based wage discrimination.
Note: Many US states and localities have additional and often broader anti-discrimination laws which Altar of Earth will also adhere to where applicable.
4. Key Principles for Equal Opportunities and Diversity
Fairness and Respect: All individuals will be treated with dignity, respect, and fairness, ensuring a supportive and welcoming environment.
Proactive Inclusion: We will actively work to create an inclusive culture where diversity is valued and celebrated, and all individuals feel a sense of belonging.
Zero Tolerance for Discrimination: Any form of discrimination, harassment, or victimisation is strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated.
Reasonable Adjustments/Accommodations: We will make reasonable adjustments (UK) or reasonable accommodations (US) for individuals with disabilities or other specific needs to ensure they can participate fully.
Transparency: Our policies and practices related to equality and diversity will be clear, accessible, and transparent.
5. Roles and Responsibilities
Board of Directors/Leadership Team:
Overall responsibility for championing, implementing, and monitoring this policy.
Ensuring adequate resources are allocated to support equality, diversity, and inclusion initiatives.
Fostering an organisational culture that actively promotes diversity and inclusion.
Designated Lead for Equality and Diversity:
The primary point of contact for all matters related to equal opportunities and diversity.
Responsible for overseeing the implementation and review of this policy.
Providing advice and guidance to staff, volunteers, and participants.
Handling and investigating complaints related to discrimination or harassment.
Coordinating diversity training and initiatives.
The assigned Designated Lead for Equality and Diversity for Altar of Earth is founder Melissa Main, who can be contacted for any enquiries or concerns via email at contact@altarofearth.org.
All Employees, Volunteers, and Contractors:
Understanding and complying with this policy.
Treating all colleagues, participants, and stakeholders with respect and dignity.
Actively contributing to an inclusive environment.
Reporting any incidents of discrimination, harassment, or victimisation immediately to the Designated Lead.
Participants:
Treating all other participants and Altar of Earth personnel with respect.
Adhering to any codes of conduct related to respectful interaction.
Reporting any instances of discrimination or harassment they experience or witness.
6. Prohibited Conduct
The following behaviours are strictly prohibited:
Discrimination: Direct or indirect discrimination based on any protected characteristic/class.
Harassment: Any unwanted conduct related to a protected characteristic/class that violates an individual's dignity or creates an offensive environment. This includes bullying, insults, offensive jokes, and inappropriate gestures or comments.
Sexual Harassment: Unwanted conduct of a sexual nature.
Victimisation: Treating someone unfairly because they have raised a complaint under this policy or supported someone else's complaint.
Aiding Discrimination: Knowingly helping someone else to commit an act of discrimination.
7. Equal Opportunities in Recruitment, Employment, and Volunteering
Altar of Earth is committed to ensuring equal opportunities throughout the entire employment and volunteering lifecycle:
Recruitment and Selection:
All job/volunteer advertisements will clearly state our commitment to equal opportunities.
Selection will be based solely on merit, skills, and experience, against objective criteria.
Unconscious bias training will be provided to those involved in recruitment.
Reasonable adjustments/accommodations will be made for disabled applicants.
Training and Development: All employees and volunteers will have equal access to training and development opportunities relevant to their roles and career progression.
Promotion and Career Progression: Decisions will be based on performance, skills, and objective criteria, ensuring fair and equitable opportunities.
Terms and Conditions: All terms of employment, benefits, and working conditions will be fair and non-discriminatory.
Flexible Working: Requests for flexible working arrangements will be considered fairly and objectively, accommodating diverse needs where operationally feasible.
Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures: These procedures will be applied fairly and consistently to all individuals, ensuring impartiality and absence of bias.
8. Equal Opportunities in Service Delivery and Participant Engagement
Altar of Earth is committed to providing inclusive services:
Access to Services: All individuals, regardless of protected characteristics/classes, will have equal access to our programs and services, subject to any necessary safety or capacity considerations which will be applied transparently and fairly.
Inclusive Environment: We will strive to create a welcoming and affirming environment during all workshops, sessions, and interactions, both online and in nature.
Respectful Communication: All communications, materials, and program content will be designed to be inclusive and respectful of diverse backgrounds and experiences.
Reasonable Adjustments/Accommodations for Participants: We will work with participants to provide reasonable adjustments/accommodations to facilitate their full and safe participation in our programs, particularly for individuals with disabilities or specific access needs.
9. Complaints and Grievances
Any individual who believes they have been subjected to discrimination, harassment, or victimisation under this policy should raise their concern immediately.
Informal Resolution: Where appropriate, concerns may be resolved informally by discussion with the alleged perpetrator or a manager, facilitated by the Designated Lead for Equality and Diversity.
Formal Grievance: If informal resolution is not suitable or successful, a formal written complaint should be submitted to the Designated Lead.
Investigation: All formal complaints will be thoroughly, impartially, and promptly investigated.
Confidentiality: All complaints will be handled with sensitivity and confidentiality, as far as possible, consistent with the need to conduct a thorough investigation and take appropriate action.
No Victimisation: Individuals who make a complaint in good faith, or support someone else's complaint, will not be victimised.
10. Monitoring and Review
This policy and our practices will be regularly monitored and reviewed to ensure effectiveness and compliance:
Data Monitoring: Where appropriate and permissible, we may collect and monitor anonymous data related to diversity to identify trends and areas for improvement.
Feedback Mechanisms: We will solicit feedback from employees, volunteers, and participants regarding their experiences related to equality and diversity.
Annual Review: This policy will be formally reviewed at least annually by the Board of Directors/Leadership Team and the Designated Lead for Equality and Diversity. Reviews will also be triggered by changes in legislation or best practice.
11. Breach of Policy
Any breach of this Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy by an employee, volunteer, or contractor will be taken very seriously and may result in disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal or termination of contract. Where a serious breach involves harassment, discrimination, or unlawful conduct, relevant legal authorities will be informed, and Altar of Earth will cooperate fully with any investigations.
Disclaimer: This Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy provides a comprehensive framework based on GDPR principles and common legal requirements in the UK and US. However, specific anti-discrimination laws can vary significantly at state and local levels within the US, and detailed guidance can evolve in the UK. This document should be considered a robust template and must be reviewed, adapted, and approved by qualified legal counsel in the specific UK region and relevant US states where Altar of Earth operates to ensure full compliance with all applicable local equal opportunities and anti-discrimination laws.