Equality,
Diversion
& Inclusion

Equality, Diversion & Inclusion

1. The Difference Collective's commitment

The Difference Collective values diversity and the contribution each of its members makes.  We are committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion in the way we recruit, connect, collaborate and work with our clients, suppliers and industry peers.

Here at The Difference Collective, we believe in treating everyone equally and with the same attention, courtesy and respect regardless of their age, disability, gender, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, race, religion or belief, and sexual orientation.

Our commitment extends further to promote an environment that is inclusive and free from all forms of discrimination and one that values the diversity of its people, who will be treated equally, fairly and with dignity and respect.

Every effort will be made, and every practical and reasonable step taken to ensure that no member of The Difference Collective (including all membership applicants) and colleagues from third party organisations (clients, suppliers, and industry organisations) will receive less favourable treatment or be disadvantaged by requirements or conditions that cannot be shown to be justifiable.

We are committed to putting equality, diversity and inclusion at the heart of what we do and ensuring transparent and constructive working practices that encourage everyone to give their best.

We will use our voice to encourage inclusivity and representation within healthcare communications and to support marginalised people’s work.

2. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in practice

The Difference Collective will avoid any unlawful discrimination in all aspects of recruitment, training and providing opportunities for work.

Recruitment and selection

The Difference Collective’s approach to recruiting and selecting talent focuses on encouraging candidates of the highest calibre with the appropriate skills and personal qualities to apply to join The Difference Collective. Being a virtual collective, the interview process is conducted remotely and all applicants are assessed using the same framework and criteria and treated fairly and with respect.

Training & Development

A key benefit of membership to The Difference Collective is access to opportunities for networking and training. The Difference Collective communicates all networking and training opportunities which are open to all members to be able to join.

Opportunities for Work

All opportunities for work are communicated to all members who are able to put themselves forward to work on the relevant opportunity. Members will be asked to demonstrate the right fit for the client brief / project which will be based on their previous experience, skills and qualifications based on the clients’ needs.

 

3. Expectations of our members

Our members are expected to assist The Difference Collective in meeting its commitment by promoting equality, diversity and inclusion and treating everyone with fairness, equity, dignity and respect, as well as being aware of and sensitive to any behaviours or actions that might be construed as discriminatory or harassing in any way.

It is expected that everyone who is part of The Difference Collective, conducts themselves in an appropriate manner, which can be characterised by:

  • treating others with dignity, trust and respect
  • having an awareness of the effects our behaviour may have on others
  • working collaboratively to achieve objectives
  • communicating openly and honestly, clearly stating what we mean and what we expect of others


Unacceptable behaviour

Unacceptable behaviour (including harassment and victimisation) may involve actions, words or physical gestures that could reasonably be perceived to be the cause of another person’s distress or discomfort. Unacceptable behaviour does not have to be face-to-face, any may take many forms such as written, telephone or email communications or through social media.

All members of The Difference Collective are expected to pay due regard to the provisions of this statement and should ensure compliance with it when undertaking their work or representing the Collective.

Acts of unlawful discrimination (as defined in Appendix 1) by members may result in membership from The Difference Collective being withdrawn.

Complaints of discrimination

Any complaints of discrimination made by members, clients or other third parties will be investigated by The Difference Collective who will take action where appropriate.

Appendix 1: Forms of Discrimination

Protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010 (the “Act”) are:

  • age
  • disability
  • gender reassignment
  • marriage and civil partnership
  • pregnancy and maternity
  • race (including colour, nationality and ethnic or national origins)
  • religion or belief
  • sex
  • sexual orientation.

Direct discrimination – occurs where a person is treated less favourably than another person because:

  • they have a protected characteristic
  • they are thought to have a protected characteristic
  • they associate with someone who has a protected characteristic.

Indirect discrimination – occurs when a provision, criterion or practice that applies to everyone but adversely affects people with the protected characteristic more than others and is not justified.

Discrimination arising from disability – occurs where a person is treated unfavourably because of something arising in consequence of their disability and that treatment is not justified.

Failure to make reasonable adjustments – occurs where there are failures to take such steps (adjustments) as are reasonable to alleviate disadvantages caused by a disability.

Harassment occurs when unwanted conduct related to a relevant protected characteristic takes place with the purpose or effect of violating a person’s dignity or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment. Harassment may involve physical acts or verbal and non-verbal communications and gestures.