Equality and diversity

We are committed to providing equal access to our services and meeting the needs of our diverse communities. We are proud to have been awarded the Achieving Level of the Government’s Equalities Framework.

This page explains our approach to fairness and equality. It explains how we meet the needs of a diverse community.

Our service standards

Fairness and equality

We will:

• always treat you fairly and impartially
• give you the same consistent high standard of service regardless of where you live in the city, your age, gender,ethnicity, disability, religion, or sexuality
• regularly monitor our services to ensure we treat everyone fairly and without discrimination
• ensure that we consult all sections of the community so that all residents can give their views and take part in shaping our services
• have regular training and updates on relevant laws.

 

Meeting your needs

We will:

• value all our residents and recognise their diversity
• communicate with you in the way that you prefer.

 

Our offices

All our offices will be:

• Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) compliant
• fully accessible by people with mobility problems, including those using wheelchairs
• equipped with hearing loops. We will also take hearing aids with us to resident meetings
• family friendly
• open at times that suit you.

 

Letters, leaflets and publications

Our information will be:

• available in a range of formats, including in writing, on the internet, and on notice boards and screens.
• written in plain language
• available on request, in different languages and other formats such as large print, audiotape/CD/MP3 and Braille within the following time:
• • letters, within 5 working days
  • leaflets, within 5 working days
  • handbooks and larger documents may take longer and we will agree a time with you when you ask.

Speaking to you

When we speak to you:

• We will be able to do so in a variety of languages, including sign language, with the help of professional translation services.

Harassment and abuse

We will not tolerate:

• harassment of any kind, including hate crime based on age, gender, race, disability, sexuality or religion
• child abuse, vulnerable adult abuse, elder abuse or any form of domestic abuse.

We will investigate any such incidents in full. We will take suitable action against people who carry them out and support those affected by them.

You can help us

By telling us:

• if you have any special needs, such as for us to communicate with us in a particular way
• about any incidents of harassment or abuse
• if we are not providing services to you in a way that meets your needs.