Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

Policy Statement

All Employees are required to adhere to (Insert Organisation Name) policies and procedures which reflect the behaviour expected and is designed to encourage integrity and professionalism.

The Equal Employment Opportunity Policy (EEO) is a set of guidelines for which all employees are expected to observe.

Sources

- Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Act 1999

- Australian Human Rights Commission Act 1986

- Age Discrimination Act 2004

- Disability Discrimination Act 1992

- Racial Discrimination Act 1975

- Sex Discrimination Act 1984

- Fair Work Act 2009

- Fair Work Regulation 2009

Application of this policy

This policy ensures (Insert Organisation Name) complies with legislation and is designed to facilitate the creation of a workplace culture that maximises (Insert Organisation Name) performance through employment decisions.

Employment decisions are based on real business needs without regard to non-relevant criteria or distinctions, and will ensure that all decisions relating to employment issues are based on merit.

(Insert Organisation Name) is an EEO and will provide equality in employment opportunities for all people employed or seeking employment.

This policy also relates to recruitment and selection process, employment conditions, compensation and benefits, training and educational opportunities, promotions, transfers, terminations and all other aspects of employment.

This policy also encompasses Affirmative Action legislation and principles, which aim to counter inequities between men and women in all aspects of their employment at (Insert Organisation Name)

Every potential candidate/employee will be given a fair and equitable chance to compete for appointment, promotion or transfer, and to pursue their career as effectively as everyone else at (Insert Organisation Name)

Consistent with this, (Insert Organisation Name) will not condone and regards as unfair, all forms of unlawful discrimination or vilification including that which relates to:

·  sex;

·  sexual harassment;

·  pregnancy;

·  potential pregnancy;

·  marital/domestic status;

·  disability;

·  race, colour, national extraction, social origin, descent, and ethnic, ethno-religious or national origin;

·  age, compulsory retirement;

·  family responsibilities, family status, status as parent of carer;

·  racial vilification;

·  sexual vilification;

·  religious belief or activity;

·  physical features;

·  industrial activity;

·  employer association activity;

·  trade union activity;

·  breastfeeding;

·  sexuality and sexual preferences;

·  medical record; and

·  criminal record.

Definitions

Discrimination is treating an individual with a particular attribute less favourably than an individual without that attribute or with a different attribute under similar circumstances. It can also be, seeking to impose a condition or requirement on a person with an attribute who does not or cannot comply, while people without that attribute do or can comply.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) is ensuring that all employees are given equal access to training, promotion, appointment or any other employment related issue without regard to any factor not related to their competency and ability to perform their duties.

Victimisation happens where an employee is treated harshly or subjected to any detriment because they have made a complaint of discrimination or harassment. Victimisation will also happen if a person is subjected to a detriment because they have furnished any information or evidence in connection with a discrimination complaint.

Responsibility

It is responsibility of (Insert Organisation Name) to ensure that:

·  all Managers, Supervisors and Staff are aware of their obligations, responsibilities and rights in relation to Equal Employment Opportunity;

·  any matter which does not comply with the principles of equal employment opportunity are identified and addressed as promptly and sensitively as possible;

·  ongoing support and guidance is provided to all employees in relation to Equal Employment Opportunity principles and practice.

It is the responsibility of Management to ensure that:

·  Management understand and are committed to the principles and legislation relating to equal opportunity and that they are applied in the workplace;

·  all decisions relating to appointment, promotion an career development are made without regard to any matters, other than the individual’s inherent ability carry out the job;

·  they provide an environment which encourages EEO and set an example by their own behaviour;

·  all staff are aware of the EEO policy.

It is the responsibility of all Employees, Contractors and Volunteers to ensure that:

·  that all persons associated with (Insert Organisation Name) are treated with respect and professionalism without regard to non-relevant criteria or distinctions.

Procedure

Senior Managers must make all decisions relating to appointment, promotion and career development without regard to any matters, other than the individual’s inherent capacity and ability to carry out the position.

Any concerns or queries should be directed to the (Insert Position).

Employee who believes they being treated unfairly as a result of discrimination should notify their manager or the (Insert Position).

(Insert Organisation Name) will take all possible steps to ensure that an employee is not victimized and/or subjected to ridicule or embarrassment for voicing concerns about these issues or making a complaint.

Responsibilities

All staff is expected to conduct themselves in a manner which respects the rights and welfare of other members of the organisation its clients and both internal and external stakeholders and to show competence, care, good faith and compliance with instructions, policies and procedures in the performance of their duties.

Management is responsible to provide both a duty of care and procedural guidance to all parties in the organisation.

All Staff will be made aware of the Equal Employment Opportunity Policy and must abide by this policy, as updated or issued from time to time, and by any directions given to employees by (Insert Organisation Name) in the course of their employment.

Policy Review

The Equal Employment Opportunity Policy will be reviewed time to time, and all staff will be trained and educated and will be required to sign an acknowledgement that they understand the policy. Should the need arise; the policies will be translated into appropriate languages.

(Insert Organisation Name) is committed to providing an environment which is safe for all staff.

Reviewed: (Insert Date) Date to be reviewed: (Insert Date)

Version:

Employee Acknowledgment – Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

I, (Insert Name) have been provided with a copy of the (Insert Organisation Name) Equal Employment Opportunity Policy.

I, (Insert Name) have read and understood the material contained within the Equal Employment Opportunity Policy, and I have had the opportunity to ask questions about any of the material set out in that policy.

I understand the ramifications of failure to adhere to the policy.

Sign: Date:

Print Name:

Witness: Date:

Print Name:

This document is a draft policy to help you develop a policy appropriate to your individual organisation. You may need to tailor to your specific circumstances in light of any applicable laws that apply in your State or Territory. © Community Management Solutions 2013