SILVER COMPANION CIC EQUALITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION POLICY Version 1.0 — July 2026 ============================================================ 1. Our commitment ----------------- Silver Companion CIC is committed to promoting equality, valuing diversity and fostering an inclusive environment for everyone who uses, volunteers with or works for our organisation. We believe that every person deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their background or identity. 2. Legal framework ------------------ This policy reflects our obligations under the Equality Act 2010. We are committed to eliminating unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation, and to advancing equality of opportunity across all nine protected characteristics: age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. 3. Our service -------------- We are committed to ensuring that our befriending service is accessible and welcoming to all older people in Swansea, regardless of their background. We will make reasonable adjustments to ensure that no one is excluded from our service due to a protected characteristic or other barrier. 4. Volunteering --------------- We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds and are committed to ensuring that our volunteer recruitment process is fair, transparent and free from discrimination. We will make reasonable adjustments to enable people with disabilities to volunteer with us. 5. Responsibilities ------------------- All staff, volunteers and trustees are responsible for upholding this policy and for treating everyone they interact with fairly and respectfully. Any behaviour that constitutes discrimination, harassment or victimisation will be taken seriously and may result in disciplinary action. 6. Reporting concerns --------------------- If you believe you have been treated unfairly or have witnessed discriminatory behaviour, please report it using our complaints procedure or contact us directly at hello@silvercompanion.org.uk. 7. Review --------- This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure it remains relevant and effective. We will monitor our practices and take action to address any inequalities identified. ============================================================ Silver Companion CIC | hello@silvercompanion.org.uk | Swansea, Wales