Introduction  

At Gloucestershire Counselling Service, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and diverse environment that values and respects the unique perspectives and backgrounds of all individuals. Our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) is embedded in our core values, guiding our interactions, decisions, and services. This policy serves as a comprehensive framework to ensure that every aspect of our organisation reflects our commitment to EDI.

Legal Framework  

This policy has been drawn up with reference to the Equality Act, 2010  

Our aim is not only to comply with legal requirements but to go beyond, actively seeking ways to eliminate discrimination, challenge bias, and create an environment where individuals feel valued, respected, and empowered. This policy reflects our determination to foster a workplace and services that promotes fairness, understanding, and collaboration.

GCS is committed to:

• Recognising that discrimination operates consciously and unconsciously in our society, which means some people have greater access to opportunities than others. 

• Valuing diversity and we recognise that different people bring different perspectives, ideas, knowledge and culture, and that this difference brings great strength. 

• Recognising that discrimination or exclusion based on individual characteristics and circumstances, such as age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race (including colour, nationality, and ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, sex (gender) and sexual orientation, or other distinctions, represents a waste of talent and opportunity. 

• Ensuring that services are accessible and appropriate for individuals from all backgrounds. We strive to understand and accommodate the diverse needs of our clients.  

• Respecting the rights of individuals, including the right to hold different views and beliefs. We will not allow these differences to be manifested in a way that is hostile or degrading to others. 

• Expecting commitment and involvement from all our staff, volunteers, clients, partners and providers of goods and services in working towards these goals.  

• Creating a supportive and welcoming environment where individuals of all backgrounds can thrive, and our services can be accessed with confidence, knowing that inclusion of diversity is not just accepted but celebrated. 

• Monitoring the make-up of the workforce regarding information such as age, gender, ethnic background, sexual orientation, religion or belief, and disability  

• diversity, and in meeting the aims and commitments set out in the equality policy.  

• Through ongoing training, communication, and accountability measures, we commit to regularly reviewing and updating our policy to ensure its effectiveness. Gloucestershire Counselling Service encourages active participation from all staff members, clients, and stakeholders in our collective journey toward an inclusive and diverse organisation.