Social workers should experience a working environment free from bullying, harassment, victimisation, and unlawful discrimination, the Social Work England’s policy on equality and diversity states.
The social work workplace should promote dignity and respect for all, where individual differences and the contributions of all staff are recognised and valued, the policy adds.
Furthermore, employees liable for acts of bullying, harassment, victimisation, and unlawful discrimination, in the course of their employment, against fellow employees, suppliers and members of the public will be held accountable, the regulator states.
“Equality means maximising employee potential and ensuring that all employees and job applicants receive equal access to employment, terms and conditions, training, and promotion opportunities,” says the policy. “Diversity is about recognising, respecting, and valuing the differences between individuals. It means treating people as individuals and recognising their different needs.”
“We aim to promote an environment that welcomes and values diverse backgrounds, thinking, skills and experience. We want everyone to thrive and fulfil their potential regardless of race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, marriage, civil partnership, or any other protected characteristic as defined under the Equality Act 2010,” it adds.
The standards that should be upheld in terms of diversity and equality include:
- Provide equality, fairness, and respect for all our people, whether temporary, part-time, or full-time.
- Not discriminate because of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race (including colour, nationality, and ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, gender, and sexual orientation.
- Oppose and avoid all forms of unlawful discrimination. This includes pay and benefits, terms and conditions of employment, dealing with grievances and discipline, redundancy, leave for parents, requests for flexible working, and selection for employment, promotion, training or other developmental opportunities.
The policy applies to all employees who are contracted to Social Work England, including temporary agency employees and contractors.
The regulator outlines in the policy how it is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating discrimination.
Furthermore, Social Work England commits to:
- Encouraging equality and diversity in the workplace
- Monitoring all policies and procedures for their equality impact
- Creating a working environment free from bullying, harassment, victimisation, and unlawful discrimination
- Promoting dignity and respect for all, and where individual differences and the contributions of all staff are recognised and valued
- Training managers and all other employees about their rights and responsibilities under the equality and diversity policy.
- Holding employees liable for acts of bullying, harassment, victimisation, and unlawful discrimination, in the course of their employment, against fellow employees, suppliers and members of the public
- Taking seriously complaints of bullying, harassment, victimisation, and unlawful discrimination by fellow employees, customers, suppliers, visitors, the public and any others in the course of the organisation’s work activities. (Such behaviour will be dealt with as misconduct under the organisation’s grievance and/or disciplinary procedures, and any appropriate action will be taken. Particularly serious complaints could amount to gross misconduct and lead to dismissal without notice).
- Making opportunities for training, development, and progress available to all staff, who will be helped and encouraged to develop their full potential, so their talents and resources can be fully utilised to maximise the efficiency of the organisation
- Decisions concerning staff will be based on merit (apart from in any necessary and limited exemptions and exceptions allowed under the Equality Act)
- Employment practices and procedures will be reviewed when necessary to ensure fairness, and will be updated to take account of changes in the law
- Monitoring the make-up of the workforce regarding information such as age, gender, ethnic background, sexual orientation, religion or belief, and disability in encouraging equality and diversity, and in meeting the aims and commitments set out in the equality policy
Monitoring will also include assessing how the equality policy, and any supporting action plans, are working in practice, reviewing them annually, and considering and taking action to address any issues
If this policy isn’t followed, the most appropriate course of action will be agreed between the policy owner and the senior HR business partner, dependent on the circumstances.
“Social work is about people. Our purpose is to regulate social workers in England, so that people receive the best possible support whenever they might need it in life. We are committed to raising standards through collaboration with everyone involved in social work,” says the policy.
“We believe in the power of collaboration and share a common goal with those we regulate – to protect the public, enable positive change, and ultimately improve people’s lives.
“This policy and procedure set out not only our commitment to legal requirements, but also our commitment to equality and diversity,” it concludes.
