Discrimination policy: Sample

Prevention of Discrimination Policy

Obligations

Xxx recognises a moral and legal responsibility to provide a work environment for employees, contractors, customers and visitors that is free from discrimination.

xxx considers discrimination as unacceptable behaviour and it will not be tolerated under any circumstances.

Reports of discrimination will be investigated promptly and confidentially.

Definitions

The Equal Opportunity Act 1995 makes discrimination in employment unlawful on the following grounds:

• Age
• Impairment
• Industrial activity
• Lawful sexual activity
• Marital status
• Physical features
• Political belief or activity
• Pregnancy
• Race
• Religious belief or activity
• Sex
• Parental status or status as carer
• Personal association

Discrimination is likely to be most evident in:

• The recruitment process
• Ongoing work practices and/or attitudes

Objectives xxx will:

• Provide a workplace that is free from discrimination
• Ensure compliance with legislative requirements
• Provide information, instruction, training and supervision to employees where necessary
• Provide support and assistance to employees

Responsibilities

It is the responsibility of xxx to create a culture that recognises discrimination as unacceptable behaviour and where everyone can realise their full potential

Management is responsible for:

• Ensuring that all staff are aware of the appropriate and acceptable standard of behaviour at work
• Ensuring that unlawful discrimination is prevented by maintaining a supportive, comfortable and productive work environment
• Ensuring that staff are aware of their rights and responsibilities regarding unlawful discrimination
• Intervening if staff member conduct creates an intimidatory, hostile or offensive work environment; adversely affects staff prospects; adversely affects an individuals work performance, health or job satisfaction or staff member’s action results in resignation
• Take early action to deal with behaviour which may be discriminatory
• Handling complaints immediately, seriously and confidentially with due sensitivity; and
• Preventing the victimisation of anyone involved in a discrimination complaint

Employees are to:

• treat colleagues with respect and dignity
• ensure their behaviour does not constitute unlawful discrimination or condone circumstances that may allow such to happen
• ensure individuals do not suffer from unlawful discrimination
• ensure they do not act in an inappropriate manner towards other staff, contractors, clients or the public
• Report all known or observed discrimination to their immediate supervisor or manager
• Actively contribute to a discrimination free environment

Application of the Policy This policy is applicable to xxx in all its operations and functions including those situations where employees are required to work off site.

As a general rule, xxx will ensure the following:

• Any observed contravention of this policy should be immediately advised to the staff member’s line manager or General Manager
• The offending staff member is to be counselled by the General Manager or line manager if the former is unavailable.
• Where necessary, a conciliation process between the relevant parties may be initiated by the General Manager.

Any persons found to have been the cause of discrimination can expect to face disciplinary action, which may include summary dismissal.

Policy Authorised on behalf of xxxx Board by: