1. Purpose

Social Sense Allied Health is committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of its operations. This policy aims to ensure that all employees, clients, and stakeholders are provided with equal opportunities regardless of their background, race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, or abilities. The purpose of this policy is to create a safe, inclusive, and fair environment for all, free from discrimination, harassment, and vilification.

2. Objective

The objective of this policy is to provide clear guidelines for managing equal opportunity and access in the workplace and service delivery. Social Sense Allied Health aims to ensure that all staff are aware of their responsibilities to uphold equal opportunity principles and actively contribute to an inclusive and respectful environment for everyone.

3. Scope

This policy applies to all employees, contractors, clients, and visitors of Social Sense Allied Health. It encompasses all aspects of employment, service delivery, and interactions, ensuring that fairness, equity, and inclusion are maintained at all times.

4. Definitions

4.1 Employee
Any person performing work for Social Sense Allied Health, whether paid or voluntary.

4.2 Director
A Director of Social Sense Allied Health, responsible for the governance and oversight of operations.

4.3 Equal Opportunity
The practice of ensuring that all individuals have the same opportunity to access services, employment, and training, without discrimination based on race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or any other characteristic.

4.4 Discrimination
Unfair or unequal treatment of individuals or groups based on personal characteristics such as race, gender, age, sexual orientation, or disability.

4.5 Harassment
Any unwanted and inappropriate behaviour that causes discomfort or distress to an individual, often due to a characteristic such as gender, race, disability, or other personal attributes.

5. Policy

Social Sense Allied Health is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment where everyone is treated with respect and dignity. This includes:

• Ensuring equal opportunities in employment, education, and service delivery.

• Promoting diversity and inclusivity in the workplace.

• Creating a safe and welcoming environment for all staff, clients, and visitors.

• Ensuring no one is subjected to discrimination, harassment, or victimisation.

5.1 Responsibilities of the Directors

The Directors of Social Sense Allied Health are responsible for:

• Establishing systems to identify and manage equal opportunity issues across the organisation.

• Monitoring compliance with this policy and ensuring staff are adequately trained.

• Reviewing this policy annually to ensure its effectiveness.

5.2 Equal Opportunity in Employment

Social Sense Allied Health is committed to offering fair and equitable employment opportunities. This includes:

• Providing reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities.

• Ensuring that all job applicants are assessed based on their qualifications and abilities, without bias or discrimination.

• Promoting a diverse workforce by encouraging applications from people of various backgrounds.

5.3 Equal Opportunity in Service Delivery

Social Sense Allied Health will ensure that services are accessible to all individuals, including those with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or mental health conditions. We are committed to:

• Providing accessible information about services.

• Offering tailored support to meet the diverse needs of clients.

• Encouraging feedback from clients to improve service delivery and address any barriers to access.

6. Action Required to Manage Equal Opportunity and Access

6.1 Identification of Discrimination or Harassment
If any employee or client identifies discrimination or harassment, they should report the issue immediately. All reports will be taken seriously, and investigations will be conducted in line with Social Sense Allied Health’s grievance procedures.

6.2 Steps to Address Issues
The Directors will consider the severity of the issue, its impact on the individual, and the broader implications for the organisation when deciding on appropriate actions. Possible actions may include:

• Addressing the issue through training or education.

• Implementing mediation or conflict resolution processes.

• Providing additional support or adjustments where necessary.

7. Compliance with this Policy

All employees and stakeholders are expected to comply with the principles outlined in this policy. Non-compliance will be addressed through appropriate disciplinary procedures, which may include retraining, suspension, or termination of employment or services, depending on the severity of the breach.

8. Contacts

For questions or concerns regarding this policy, please contact the Director of Social Sense Allied Health at:

Phone: 0435 005 669
Email: hello@socialsense.com.au