Diversity and Equality Policy

Merthyr Science Festival is committed to ensuring equality, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of its work.

We aim to treat all individuals fairly and with respect, including employees, volunteers, trustees, contributors, partners and audiences (collectively referred to as “participants”).

OUR COMMITMENT

We are committed to ensuring that no individual or group is treated less favourably on the basis of any protected characteristic, as defined by the Equality Act 2010:

·   Age

·   Gender reassignment

·   Marriage or civil partnership

·   Pregnancy or maternity

·   Disability

·   Race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin)

·   Religion or belief (or lack of belief)

·   Sex

·   Sexual orientation

We promote equality of opportunity and aim to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone involved in the Festival.

RESPONSIBILITIES

All employees, volunteers and partners are expected to:

·   Support and uphold this policy

·   Treat others with dignity and respect

·   Help prevent discrimination, harassment, bullying and victimisation

Serious breaches of this policy may be treated as gross misconduct and could result in termination of employment, engagement or partnership.

Individuals may also be personally liable for unlawful acts of discrimination.

FAIR RECRUITMENT AND ENGAGEMENT

We recruit, appoint and work with individuals based on their skills, experience and suitability for the role, without bias relating to protected characteristics.

We are committed to removing barriers to participation and ensuring fair access to opportunities.

COMPLAINTS AND GRIEVANCES

Any concerns about discrimination, harassment or unfair treatment should be raised promptly with:

·   The Festival Team

All complaints will be:

·   Taken seriously

·   Handled confidentially

·   Investigated fairly and promptly

No individual will be treated unfairly for raising a genuine concern, even if it is not upheld, provided it is made in good faith.

Victimisation or retaliation against anyone raising a concern or supporting a complaint will not be tolerated and may be treated as gross misconduct.

DEFINITIONS

Direct discrimination
Occurs when someone is treated less favourably because of a protected characteristic, whether actual or perceived, or due to association with someone who has that characteristic.

Indirect discrimination
Occurs when a policy, practice or rule applies to everyone but disadvantages a particular group sharing a protected characteristic.

Harassment
Unwanted conduct that violates a person’s dignity or creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading or offensive environment. This may be intentional or unintentional.

Bullying
Offensive, abusive or intimidating behaviour, or misuse of power, intended to undermine or harm another person. This can occur in person or through digital communication.

Victimisation
Treating someone unfairly because they have made or supported a complaint about discrimination.

MONITORING AND IMPROVEMENT

We will regularly review our practices and decisions to ensure equality of opportunity is being achieved.

Where necessary, we will:

·   Make improvements to our policies and processes

·   Identify and address any unintended discriminatory effects

·   Make reasonable adjustments to remove barriers, particularly for disabled individuals

FURTHER INFORMATION

For more information on equality law and guidance:

·   https://www.gov.uk/guidance/equality-act-2010-guidance

·   https://www.equalityhumanrights.com

OUR VALUES

Merthyr Science Festival is committed to building an inclusive and accessible environment.

We aim to reflect and serve the diversity of our local communities across Wales and to ensure that science and creativity are open to all.

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