Equal Opportunities

Rainbow Housing Co-operative is aware that certain groups within society are disadvantaged as a result of prejudice and direct or indirect discrimination. We consider all forms of discrimination and abuse to be divisive and demoralising for those affected and degrading for those who practice them, and consider that the elimination of all forms of discrimination and abuse is essential for the achievement of a just and equal society. We aim to ensure that we offer equal opportunities to everyone in all aspects of Rainbow, for example, opportunity to become aware of the co-op, membership of the co-op, involvement in the co-op, employment of contractors and (if we ever employ paid workers) employment of workers. In particular we aim to ensure that no person or group of people will be-treated less favourably than any other person or group of people because of their gender, race, colour, ethnic or national origin, religion, language, sexual orientation, class, marital status, age, responsibility for children or dependents, disability, employment status, spent or irrelevant convictions, appearance. We are therefore committed to the principles set out below:

Open and equal access

Rainbow aims to offer open and equal access to information about itself to all sections of the community, and to enable all to have an equal chance to be considered for membership and housing in Rainbow.

Fair allocation of housing

All applications for membership and housing will be considered equally, as set out in Rainbow's allocation policy and without discrimination.

Equal democratic rights for all members

All members of Rainbow are equal and should enjoy equal democratic rights within the co-operative's Rules. All should have equal chances without discrimination to be fully involved in the running of the co-operative i.e. to attend meetings on an equal basis and participate in any votes taken, to be elected to office, and to participate in the work and social activities of the co-operative.

Equal service

The services provided by Rainbow to its members should be provided equallywithout discrimination eg; maintenance, improvements, transfers and any benefits of membership.

Peaceful enjoyment

All members should be able to peacefully enjoy their co-operative housing on an equal basis. Rainbow will vigorously tackle any harassment of a prejudiced and discriminatory nature of its members and/or their families, and will also tackle discriminatory attitudes among its members.

Employment of workers

If Rainbow ever employs paid workers, it is committed to treating all applicants equally and to selecting the worker(s) without discrimination and based oh their ability to carry out the duties of the job.

Employment of agents

In the employment of consultants, contractors, supplies and other agents, Rainbow will make clear that it expects such agents to have a similar commitment to equality of opportunity.

Monitoring

Rainbow will collect and monitor records of the ethnic/racial origin, gender and disability status of all those applying to it for membership and housing (or possibly in future for a job). Rainbow will use this information to check the effectiveness of this Equal Opportunities Policy and to take remedial action if the Policy does not appear to be effective. This monitoring information will be kept confidential and used for this purpose only.

Education and training

Rainbow recognises the importance of education and training for its members on the principles of equal opportunities and the particular needs of various disadvantaged groups.

Sharing the co-operative experience

Rainbow is committed to promoting co-operative housing in general, and in particular will share its experience without discrimination with any groups who wish to set up their own housing co-operative.

Developing this policy

As this policy is put into practice we expect to see further areas in which we can improve equality of opportunity. We are therefore committed to continuing to develop this policy.