Equal opportunities policy

Purpose

The purpose of the Alliance's equal opportunities policy is:

  • to ensure that all job applicants and employees receive fair treatment and are valued in a workplace free from harassment, victimisation and bullying
  • to actively encourage the development of a diverse organisational culture.

Principles

  • The Alliance believes that, in addition to issues of equity and equal opportunities, a diverse workforce enhances its work by bringing diverse viewpoints to bear on issues and challenges.
  • The Alliance is committed to developing a workforce that reflects the composition of the communities in which it is located, and acknowledges that certain sectors have been previously disadvantaged in terms of employment opportunities. In particular, it is committed to promoting access to employment opportunities for those affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

Policy

The International HIV/AIDS Alliance is committed to ensuring that all job applicants and employees receive fair treatment and are valued regardless of sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, disability, race, age, marital status, religion or religious belief, colour, ethnic or national origin, HIV/AIDS status or any other characteristic. The Alliance is also committed to ensuring that no-one is disadvantaged by conditions or requirements which cannot be shown to be justifiable.

This policy applies to recruitment, promotion, transfer, training, benefits, facilities, and other policies and procedures, and aims to ensure the fair treatment and dignity of employees in workplaces free from harassment, victimisation and bullying.

Responsibility for the policy

The Executive Director of the Alliance has overall responsibility for implementing the policy.

The Head of Human Resources is responsible for co-ordinating the application of the policy, and for monitoring its effectiveness.

Directors and managers are responsible for ensuring that the policy is implemented within their own departments, offices and teams, particularly in relation to recruitment and selection, and in the promotion and training of employees.

All employees have a personal responsibility to treat people fairly, value and respect others and ensure that no one is harassed, victimised or bullied in the workplace. Employees should promote a work environment in which people have the confidence to report, in good faith, incidents which are discriminatory or personally offensive.