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Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Policy

1. Policy statement

Soul of the Junction SCIO is committed to promoting equality, valuing diversity and fostering inclusion in everything we do. We believe everyone has the right to be treated with dignity, respect and fairness, and to access our services, spaces and opportunities without discrimination.

We actively work to remove barriers to participation and ensure our activities, facilities and decision-making processes are inclusive and welcoming to all.

2. Scope of the policy

This policy applies to:

  • Trustees

  • Staff and volunteers

  • Contractors and session facilitators

  • Partners and suppliers

  • Participants, visitors and service users

It covers all areas of our work, including:

  • Community hall use and activities

  • Children’s services and sensory provision

  • Events, workshops and cinema sessions

  • Volunteering and governance

  • Online and digital engagement

3. Legal framework

This policy is informed by and complies with:

  • Equality Act 2010

  • Human Rights Act 1998

  • Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014

  • UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018

4. Our commitment to equality

Soul of the Junction SCIO will not tolerate discrimination, harassment or victimisation on the grounds of any protected characteristic, including:

  • Age

  • Disability (including sensory, physical, learning and neurodivergent needs)

  • Gender reassignment

  • Marriage and civil partnership

  • Pregnancy and maternity

  • Race, ethnicity or nationality

  • Religion or belief

  • Sex

  • Sexual orientation

We also recognise additional barriers faced by people living in rural communities, including transport, isolation and limited access to services, and work actively to reduce these inequalities.

5. Inclusion in practice

We are committed to practical inclusion, not just policy statements. This includes:

  • Designing activities that are accessible and flexible

  • Offering sensory-friendly environments and quiet spaces

  • Using clear, plain language in communication

  • Keeping participation affordable or free wherever possible

  • Welcoming carers, parents and support workers

  • Listening to lived experience and community voices

6. Accessibility & reasonable adjustments

We aim to make reasonable adjustments to enable participation, including:

  • Physical access improvements to the community hall

  • Sensory adaptations (lighting, sound, layout)

  • Flexible participation options

  • Clear signage and information

  • Adjusted session formats where needed

Accessibility is considered at the planning stage of all activities.

7. Children, ASN & additional support

We are particularly committed to inclusion for:

  • Children and young people

  • Children with Additional Support Needs (ASN)

  • Families facing barriers to participation

Our programmes are designed to support:

  • Emotional regulation and wellbeing

  • Sensory differences

  • Safe, respectful play and learning

We work closely with families and partners to ensure children feel safe, understood and included.

8. Recruitment, volunteering & governance

Soul of the Junction SCIO is committed to fair and inclusive practices in:

  • Volunteer recruitment

  • Trustee appointments

  • Training and development

We ensure:

  • Opportunities are open and transparent

  • Decisions are based on skills and commitment

  • Volunteers are supported and respected

  • Reasonable adjustments are made where required

9. Creating a respectful environment

We promote a culture of:

  • Respect

  • Kindness

  • Zero tolerance for bullying, harassment or discrimination

Any concerns raised will be taken seriously and addressed promptly.

10. Monitoring & learning

We:

  • Reflect on participation and feedback

  • Learn from lived experience

  • Adapt activities to improve inclusion

  • Review this policy regularly

EDI is embedded in our planning, delivery and evaluation processes.

11. Reporting concerns

Anyone who feels they have been treated unfairly or excluded is encouraged to raise their concern. Concerns can be raised confidentially by contacting:

📧 soulofthejunction@gmail.com

All concerns will be handled sensitively and without prejudice.

12. Review & responsibility

The Board of Trustees is responsible for ensuring this policy is implemented, monitored and reviewed.

This policy will be reviewed annually, or sooner if required by changes in legislation or organisational activity.

Approval

This Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Policy was approved by the Board of Trustees of Soul of the Junction SCIO on:

Date: 11.01.2026
Signed: S SAVOVA
Role: Trustee: Chair 

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