1. Introduction
Won Connect CIC is committed to fostering a culture of equality, diversity, and
inclusion, and to safeguarding the well-being of all vulnerable people we work with.
This policy outlines our commitment to ensuring that everyone is treated fairly and
with respect, and that vulnerable individuals are protected from harm.
2. Scope and Purpose
This policy applies to all individuals associated with Won Connect CIC, including:
● Employees (permanent, temporary, and volunteers)
● Board members
● Contractors
● Learners and participants in our programs
● Visitors to our premises
The purpose of this policy is to:
● Promote equality and prevent discrimination.
● Protect vulnerable people from abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
● Ensure that everyone feels safe, respected, and valued.
● Provide a framework for addressing concerns and complaints.
● Comply with all relevant legislation and best practices.
3. Definitions
● Equality: Ensuring that everyone has the right to equal opportunities and is
treated fairly, regardless of their protected characteristics.
● Diversity: Recognizing and valuing the differences among people, including but
not limited to protected characteristics.
● Inclusion: Creating an environment where everyone feels welcome, respected,
and able to participate fully.
● Vulnerable People: Individuals who are at greater risk of harm or exploitation due
to their age, disability, illness, or other circumstances. This may include children,
young people, and adults at risk.
● Abuse: Any form of physical, emotional, sexual, financial abuse, neglect, or
exploitation.
4. Principles
Won Connect CIC is committed to the following principles:
● Equality and Fairness: We will treat everyone with fairness and respect, and will
not discriminate on the grounds of any protected characteristic, including age,
disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and
maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.
● Dignity and Respect: We will create an environment where everyone feels
valued, respected, and able to participate fully, and where harassment, bullying,
and victimization are not tolerated.
● Safeguarding: We will take all reasonable steps to protect vulnerable people
from harm, and will respond promptly and appropriately to any concerns or
allegations of abuse.
● Empowerment: We will empower individuals to have a voice, to make choices,
and to participate in decisions that affect them.
● Best Interests: We will ensure that the best interests of vulnerable people are
always paramount.
5. Responsibilities
● Board of Directors: The Board of Directors has overall responsibility for ensuring
that this policy is implemented, monitored, and reviewed.
● Management Team: The Management Team is responsible for promoting
equality, diversity, and inclusion within their teams, and for ensuring that staff are
aware of their responsibilities in relation to protecting vulnerable people.
● All Staff, Volunteers, and Associates: All staff, volunteers, and associates are
responsible for:
○ Treating everyone with fairness and respect.
○ Contributing to a positive and inclusive environment.
○ Being aware of the signs of abuse and neglect.
○ Reporting any concerns about the safety or well-being of a vulnerable person.
○ Following this policy and any related procedures.
6. Recruitment and Employment
Won Connect CIC will ensure that:
● Recruitment processes are fair, open, and transparent.
● Job descriptions and person specifications are free from discriminatory
requirements.
● Reasonable adjustments are made for applicants with disabilities.
● Employees are provided with equal opportunities for training and development.
● Pay and benefits are determined fairly and without discrimination.
7. Training and Awareness
Won Connect CIC will:
● Provide training to all staff and volunteers on equality, diversity, and inclusion, and
on protecting vulnerable people, appropriate to their role.
● Ensure that staff and volunteers are aware of this policy and any related
procedures.
● Regularly update training to reflect changes in legislation and best practices.
8. Concerns and Complaints
Won Connect CIC will:
● Ensure that there are clear and accessible procedures for raising concerns and
making complaints.
● Take all concerns and complaints seriously and investigate them promptly and
thoroughly.
● Ensure that individuals who raise concerns or make complaints are protected
from victimisation.
● Take appropriate action to address any breaches of this policy.
9. Monitoring and Review
Won Connect CIC will:
● Regularly monitor the effectiveness of this policy.
● Review and update the policy at least every three years, or more frequently if
required by changes in legislation or best practice.
● Consult with stakeholders, including vulnerable people, in the review process.
● Publish the results of monitoring and reviews as appropriate.
10. Related Policies and Procedures
This policy should be read in conjunction with other relevant Won Connect CIC
policies and procedures, including:
● Safeguarding Policy and Procedures
● Anti-Bullying and Harassment Policy
● Complaints Policy and Procedure
● Data Protection Policy
● Volunteer Policy
11. Legislation and Guidance
This policy has been developed in accordance with relevant legislation and guidance,
including:
● Equality Act 2010
● Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007
● Protection of Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2003
● National Guidance for Child Protection in Scotland 2021
● SCTS Adult Support and Protection Code of Practice
● United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child
12. Contact Information
For any questions or concerns related to this policy, please contact Serge, Director,
Won Connect CIC.
13. Policy Dissemination
This policy will be made available to all staff, volunteers, learners, and other
stakeholders through:
● Staff handbook
● Volunteer handbook
● Website
● Induction materials
● Training sessions
Won Connect CIC
23/April/2019