Inclusive & Bullying Policy

325 Troop Independent Marine cadets is a place of complete inclusion.

325 Troop is committed to encouraging equality, diversity and inclusion among our members, and eliminating unlawful discrimination.

The aim is for our members to be truly representative of all sections of society, and for each member to feel respected and able to give their best.

The organisation is also committed against unlawful discrimination of the public.

Our policy's purpose

This policy's purpose is to:

1. Provide equality, fairness and respect for all our members, whether a member of staff, or a cadet

2. Not unlawfully discriminate because of the Equality Act 2010 protected characteristics of:

• age

• disability

• gender reassignment

• marriage and civil partnership

• pregnancy and maternity

• race (including colour, nationality, and ethnic or national origin)

• religion or belief

• sex

• sexual orientation

3. Oppose and avoid all forms of unlawful discrimination. This includes in:

• terms and conditions of membership

• dealing with grievances and discipline

• dismissal

• selection for promotion, training or other development opportunities

Our commitments

The organisation commits to:

1. Encourage equality, diversity and inclusion as they are good practice and are a basic right.

2. Create an environment free of bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination, promoting dignity and respect for all, and where individual differences and the contributions of all are recognised and valued.

This commitment includes training staff and members about their rights and responsibilities under the equality, diversity and inclusion policy. Responsibilities include staff conducting themselves to help the organisation provide equal opportunities in membership, and prevent bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination.

All members should understand they can be held liable for acts of bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination, in the course of their membership, against fellow members and the public.

3. Take seriously complaints of bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination by fellow members, visitors, the public and any others in the course of the organisation's activities.

Such acts will be dealt with as misconduct under the organisation's grievance or disciplinary procedures, and appropriate action will be taken. Particularly serious complaints could amount to gross misconduct and lead to dismissal without notice.

Further, sexual harassment may amount to both a members rights matter and a criminal matter, such as in sexual assault allegations. In addition, harassment under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 – which is not limited to circumstances where harassment relates to a protected characteristic – is a criminal offence.

4. Make opportunities for training, development and progress available to all, who will be helped and encouraged to develop their full potential.

5. Make decisions concerning members based on merit (apart from in any necessary and limited exemptions and exceptions allowed under the Equality Act).

6. Review practices and procedures when necessary to ensure fairness, and also update them and the policy to take account of changes in the law.

7. Monitor the make-up of the members regarding information such as age, sex, ethnic background, sexual orientation, religion or belief, and disability in encouraging equality, diversity and inclusion, and in meeting the aims and commitments set out in the equality, diversity and inclusion policy.

Monitoring will also include assessing how the equality, diversity and inclusion policy, and any supporting action plan, are working in practice, reviewing them annually, and considering and taking action to address any issues.

Agreement to follow this policy

The equality, diversity and inclusion policy is fully supported by the Executive Staff and has been agreed with all members of 325 Troop.