CONNECT CHURCH is a Christian organisation committed to social justice and actively opposed to all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination in society. As employers, We believe equality in the workplace is good management practice and makes sound business sense. 

The purpose of this policy is to provide equality and fairness in our employment practices and not to discriminate on grounds of protected characteristics i.e. gender, marital status, race, ethnic origin, colour, nationality, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, religion or age, in order that each employee feels respected and able to give of their best. 

All employees, whether part-time, full-time or temporary, will be treated fairly and with respect. Selection for employment, promotion, training or any other benefit will be on the basis of aptitude and ability. All employees will be helped and encouraged to develop their full potential and the talents and resources of the workforce will be fully utilised to maximise the efficiency of the organisation. 

CONNECT CHURCH aims to ensure that people with disabilities are given equal opportunity to enter employment. In doing so, it will fully consider reasonable adjustments to working practices, equipment and premises to ensure that a disabled person is not put at a substantial disadvantage due to their disability. In addition, should staff members become disabled in the course of their employment, every effort will be made through reasonable adjustment, retraining or redeployment to enable them to remain in the employment of CONNECT CHURCH.

CONNECT CHURCH is a Christian organisation committed to building Jesus’ model of the Kingdom of God on earth. Accordingly, as a Christian organisation, there are posts which can only be filled by Christians. The nature of these posts or the context in which they are carried and their link to the ethos of the organisation give rise to a genuine occupational requirement for the post holders to be Christians. All staff in these posts are required to demonstrate a clear, personal commitment to the Christian faith. 

Further, CONNECT CHURCH seeks to provide services on a fair and equitable basis, taking into account only the needs of people referred. No person requiring services from CONNECT CHURCH will be treated less favourably than any other person on any grounds. 

It is the intention of CONNECT CHURCH that no individual or organisation connected with its activities shall hinder the positive implementation of this policy. Any form of discrimination is unacceptable to CONNECT CHURCH. 

Any employee may use the grievance procedure to complain about discriminatory conduct. No individual will be penalised for raising such a grievance unless it is proved to be untrue and made in bad faith. Any complaints will be fully investigated. Any discrimination or harassment proven to have taken place will be regarded as misconduct for the purposes of disciplinary procedures. 

Our Commitment 

• To create an environment in which individual differences and the contributions of all our staff are recognised and valued 
• To provide every employee with a working environment that promotes dignity and respect To ensure training, development and progression opportunities are available to all staff 
• That no form of intimidation, bullying or harassment will be tolerated. Incidents of this nature shall be dealt with under the Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures.
• To maintain under review all our employment practices and procedures to ensure fairness 
• That breaches of our equality policy will be regarded as misconduct and could lead to disciplinary proceedings 
• That this policy will be fully supported by the Leadership Team The policy will be monitored and reviewed annually by the Leadership Team