Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy

1. Our Commitment

The Community Sustainability Support Network (CSSN) is committed to promoting equality, valuing diversity, and fostering an inclusive environment for all. We believe that everyone should be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their background, identity, or circumstances.

We recognise that diversity strengthens our network and enhances our ability to support community-led climate action across England. We are committed to ensuring that our services, activities, and opportunities are accessible and welcoming to everyone.

2. Legal Framework

This policy is based on the Equality Act 2010, which protects people from discrimination, harassment, and victimisation on the basis of protected characteristics:

  • Age
  • Disability
  • Gender reassignment
  • Marriage and civil partnership
  • Pregnancy and maternity
  • Race (including colour, nationality, and ethnic or national origin)
  • Religion or belief
  • Sex
  • Sexual orientation

3. Our Principles

We are committed to:

  • Treating everyone with dignity and respect
  • Valuing and celebrating diversity
  • Creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome
  • Removing barriers to participation
  • Challenging discrimination and prejudice
  • Promoting equality of opportunity
  • Ensuring our services are accessible to all

4. Scope

This policy applies to:

  • All staff, volunteers, trustees, and representatives of CSSN
  • All network members and participants
  • All service users and beneficiaries
  • All contractors, partners, and suppliers
  • All visitors to our website and events

5. Our Responsibilities

Recruitment and Selection

We are committed to fair and transparent recruitment processes that attract diverse candidates. We will:

  • Advertise opportunities widely and inclusively
  • Use objective selection criteria
  • Make reasonable adjustments for candidates with disabilities
  • Monitor recruitment to ensure fairness

Services and Activities

We will ensure that our services and activities are:

  • Accessible to people with disabilities
  • Available in formats that meet diverse needs
  • Delivered in inclusive and welcoming environments
  • Representative of the communities we serve

Communication

We will:

  • Use inclusive language in all communications
  • Provide information in accessible formats
  • Ensure our website meets accessibility standards
  • Represent diverse communities in our materials

6. Positive Action

We recognise that some groups may face particular barriers to participation. Where permitted by law, we may take positive action to:

  • Encourage participation from underrepresented groups
  • Provide targeted support or training
  • Create opportunities for specific groups
  • Address historical inequalities

7. Reasonable Adjustments

We are committed to making reasonable adjustments to ensure that people with disabilities can access our services and participate fully. This may include:

  • Providing information in alternative formats
  • Adjusting venues or activities
  • Providing additional support or assistance
  • Modifying policies or procedures

8. Monitoring and Review

We will:

  • Monitor the diversity of our network members, staff, and volunteers
  • Collect and analyse equality data (where appropriate and with consent)
  • Review our policies and practices regularly
  • Set equality objectives and measure progress
  • Report on our equality work in our annual report

9. Training and Development

We will provide training and development opportunities to ensure that all staff, volunteers, and trustees understand their responsibilities under this policy and are equipped to promote equality, diversity, and inclusion in their work.

10. Complaints and Concerns

If you believe you have been discriminated against, harassed, or treated unfairly by CSSN, you can make a complaint using our Complaints Policy. We take all complaints seriously and will investigate them thoroughly and fairly.

11. External Reporting

If you are not satisfied with how we have handled a complaint about discrimination, you may be able to refer it to the Equality and Human Rights Commission.

12. Review of This Policy

This policy will be reviewed regularly to ensure it remains relevant and effective. The next review date will be set by the Board of Trustees.

13. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this policy or would like to discuss how we can better promote equality, diversity, and inclusion, please contact us at contact@cssn.uk.

Last updated: June 8, 2026