Equality and Diversity Policy Statement

Last updated: 15/02/2023

Equality and diversity are at the very heart of the values of Lapidus International and inform all aspects of our activities and services. We aim to be open, transparent, inclusive, democratic, supportive, fair and free from discrimination in order to best meet the needs of all our members, Lapidus International Directors, self-employed contractors who carry out/support Lapidus International activities and the wider community.

Lapidus International is committed to positive action, promoting and developing equality of opportunity in all its functions.  We will seek to do this by:

• –  communicating our commitment to equality and diversity to all members of the Lapidus International and writing for wellbeing community;
• –  communicating where responsibility lies for equality issues, i.e. with the Directors of the Board of Lapidus International;
• –  providing appropriate training and briefings for Directors, members and self-employed contractors who carry out/support Lapidus International activities;
• –  actively promoting equality and diversity;
• –  challenging discrimination or less favourable treatment based on: age, disability, gender reassignment, race/ethnicity, religion or belief, culture, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnerships, medical condition, pregnancy or maternity, socio-economic grouping and sex;
• –  ensuring that wherever possible the client base reflects the local community of any activity;
• –  making ‘reasonable adjustments’ so that venues are fully accessible to all confirmed participants;
• –  monitoring the membership, self-employed contractors and events to assess the effectiveness of the policy;
• –  ensuring that legislation and policy requirements are implemented into all our working practices.

We respect and uphold the dignity of all our members and associates. We recognise and value individual differences and the contributions made by all involved in the work of writing for wellbeing within the field of the expressive arts. We are committed to providing an environment that is free from bullying and unlawful discrimination and where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. We understand that members and self-employed contractors have rights to participate in a supportive, safe and harassment-free environment and have individual and collective responsibility to value and respect each other’s contributions.

Any complainants should contact a member of the Board with details of the complaint as the first step. A copy of our complaints policy and procedures will be provided when we have registered your complaint in writing.