Flourish Connect Outreach (Foundation CIO)

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1. Legal Status and Governance Responsibility (Foundation CIO)

Flourish Connect Outreach is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) governed by a Foundation CIO constitution.

The Board of Trustees has overall responsibility for ensuring that the charity:

• Operates for public benefit

• Acts in accordance with equality and human rights legislation

• Embeds equity, diversity, and inclusion into governance and activities

• Maintains appropriate policies and oversight arrangements

Trustees ensure this policy supports the charity’s charitable objects and public benefit requirement

2. Purpose of This Policy

This policy explains how the charity:

• Promotes equity and fair access to services

• Values diversity among beneficiaries, volunteers, and supporters

• Prevents discrimination, harassment, and exclusion

• Creates inclusive environments across all activities

The policy applies to all charity activities and to everyone involved in or affected by the charity’s work.

3. Scope of Application

This policy applies to:

• Trustees

• Volunteers and staff

• Members (as defined by the constitution)

• Beneficiaries and participants

• Partners and contractors acting on behalf of the charity

It applies to all settings, including:

• Community outreach and support activities

• Education, training, and Academy programmes

• Events, meetings, and conferences

• Online and digital engagement

4. Legal and Regulatory Framework

The charity operates in accordance with:

• The Equality Act 2010

• Human rights principles

• Charity Commission guidance on equality and public benefit

• Relevant safeguarding legislation

Nothing in this policy permits discrimination that would be unlawful under applicable legislation.

5. EDI Principles (CIO-Aligned)

Flourish Connect Outreach is guided by the following principles:

• Equity: Fair treatment and reasonable adjustments to enable participation

• Diversity: Respect for differences in background, experience, and identity

• Inclusion: Creating environments where everyone feels welcomed and valued

• Dignity: Treating all individuals with respect

• Accountability: Trustee oversight and responsibility

• Proportionality: Measures appropriate to the charity’s size and activities

6. Access to Services and Activities

The charity seeks to ensure that:

• Services are open and

• Barriers to participation are identified and addressed where reasonable

• Reasonable adjustments are considered to support inclusion

• Participation is voluntary and non-discriminatory

No individual is excluded from services on grounds protected by law.

7. Governance, Decision-Making, and Representation

Trustees aim to:

• Promote diversity in governance and leadership

• Ensure decisions are fair, transparent, and evidence-based

• Avoid conflicts of interest

• Act collectively in the best interests of the charity

Trustees are appointed in accordance with the governing document.

8. Conduct and Behaviour

All individuals involved in the charity are expected to:

• Treat others with respect and fairness

• Avoid discriminatory or inappropriate behaviour

• Challenge and report behaviour that conflicts with this policy

Breaches of this policy may be addressed through appropriate procedures.

9. Training, Awareness, and Communication

Where appropriate, the charity provides guidance and information to support:

• Understanding of EDI responsibilities

• Inclusive practice

• Compliance with legal requirements

10. Monitoring and Review (CIO-Aligned)

The Board of Trustees:

• Reviews EDI arrangements periodically

• Considers feedback and learning

• Ensures actions remain proportionate and effective

This policy is reviewed regularly and updated where required.

11. Complaints and Concerns

Concerns or complaints relating to equity, diversity, or inclusion are:

• Taken seriously

• Handled in line with the charity’s Complaints Policy

• Escalated to Trustees where appropriate

12. Linked Policies

This policy should be read alongside:

• Safeguarding Policy

• Quality Standards Policy

• Privacy Policy

• Complaints Policy

• Volunteer Policy

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Policy