Equality Statements

1.Scope

Connect Care takes a zero-tolerance approach to any type of discrimination, bullying, harassment and/or victimisation which one member of staff may perpetrate against another and/or against any other person, including but not limited to former employees, job applicants, Service Users, customers, suppliers and visitors.

This policy underpins our organisation’s approach to discrimination and equal opportunities. 

2. Introduction

People are treated as individuals and not discriminated in respect of their protected characteristics and this will be supported by staff training, awareness and ongoing review of our policies and procedures.

The characteristics that are protected by this policy are;

·       Age

·       Gender Reassignment

·       Disability

·       Pregnancy maternity and breast feeding

·       Race

·       Religion or belief

·       Ethical Veganism

·       Sex

·       Sexual Orientation

This policy protects the above characteristics from discriminations like;

·       Direct Discrimination

·       Discrimination by association

·       Harassment

·       Victimisation

·       Bullying

·       Pregnancy and maternity; People who are pregnant are protected against unfair workplace practices because of their pregnancy. 

3. The working environment

Our organisation is committed to achieving a working environment that provides equality of opportunity and freedom from discrimination on the grounds of race, religion and belief, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, gender reassignment. We are also committed to building a workforce that is diverse and reflects the community around us.

4. Recruitment and Selection

Connect  Care Ltd ensures that all decisions on recruitment and internal promotions are made with reference to objective criteria which do not discriminate against any individual or group.

 

5. Monitoring and Audit  

Equality and Diversity will be monitored under our governance and quality management procedures. This will include audits of our processes which will review: 

• Policies and Procedures at least annually  
• Recruitment records  
• Printed Information 
• Quality Questionnaires (Service Users, families, staff and wider stakeholders)  
• Complaints  
• Training & Competency assessments 

Data from monitoring and audit will be analysed to identify themes or trends which will form a service improvement plan if required. This is our commitment to the principles of continuous improvement.

Staff must be aware of the changes in the act and their role concerning Service Users and colleagues. Within the social care sector, services are often provided which are of a sensitive and private nature. Staff must be made aware of the cultural and ethnic needs of the Service Users in the delivery of the care to the individual concerned. 

MODERN SLAVERY AND HUMAN TRAFFICKING STATEMENT

 

Connect Care is committed to ensuring that there is no modern slavery or human trafficking in any part of our business or our supply chains. This statement outlines our commitment to combatting modern slavery in accordance with the Modern Slavery Act 2015. We take our responsibility seriously in identifying and addressing risks of modern slavery within our operations and industry.

OUR BUSINESS AND SUPPLY CHAINS

Connect Care Ltd provides care and support services to individuals within care homes and the community, promoting independence, healthy living, and well-being. We recognise that the health and social care sector may be susceptible to risks associated with modern slavery, especially in supply chains linked to labor provision, recruitment, and procurement of services.

OUR POLICIES ON MODERN SLAVERY AND HUMAN TRAFFICKING

Connect Care Ltd is dedicated to maintaining the highest ethical standards in our business practices. Our policies related to modern slavery include:

Anti-Slavery and Human Trafficking Policy: This policy is designed to prevent, detect, and respond to any forms of slavery, forced labor, or human trafficking within our operations and supply chains.
Code of Conduct: Our code outlines the behaviors expected from all staff members and partners, emphasising respect for human rights, transparency, and fairness.
Whistleblowing Policy: We encourage all staff to report any concerns about unethical behavior or any suspicions of modern slavery and human trafficking through our confidential whistleblowing mechanism.

RISK ASSESSMENT AND DUE DILIGENCE

We have established a process to identify and assess areas within our business and supply chains that are at the highest risk of modern slavery. Our due diligence efforts include:

Supplier Assessments: Evaluating and monitoring our suppliers to ensure their compliance with ethical labor practices.
Employee Training: Providing modern slavery and human trafficking training to our staff to raise awareness and help identify signs of potential exploitation.
Regular Audits: Conducting regular reviews and audits of our supply chain to ensure that all our partners adhere to our anti-slavery commitments.

TRAINING AND AWARENESS

Connect Care Ltd recognises the importance of training in identifying and preventing modern slavery. We provide training for all employees, particularly those involved in recruitment, procurement, and care delivery, to understand the risks of modern slavery and how to report any concerns.

COMMITMENT TO CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT

We are committed to continuous improvement in our efforts to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our business and supply chains. This includes regular reviews of our policies, practices, and risk assessments to stay aligned with industry standards and legislative requirements.

REPORTING CONCERNS

Any staff member or external partner can report concerns regarding modern slavery or human trafficking through our designated reporting channels without fear of retaliation. Connect Care Ltd guarantees that all reports will be investigated promptly and thoroughly.

ORGANISATIONAL APPROVAL

This Modern Slavery Act statement has been approved by the management of Connect Care Ltd and will be reviewed annually to ensure its relevance and effectiveness.