HEALTH GAP CIC

EQUALITY, DIVERSITY & INCLUSION POLICY

1. Policy Statement

Health Gap CIC is committed to reducing health inequalities and improving wellbeing across communities. Central to this mission is our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion in everything we do.

We believe that everyone has the right to fair access to healthcare information, services, and opportunities, regardless of their background, identity, or circumstances.

We will actively work to:

  • Eliminate discrimination, harassment and victimisation 

  • Advance equality of opportunity 

  • Reduce health inequalities and systemic barriers 

  • Foster inclusion, respect and understanding across all communities 

This policy is underpinned by the Equality Act 2010 and Human Rights Act 1998. We are committed to doing our best to challenge and address disparities in health outcomes. 

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

  • Employees and freelancers 

  • Volunteers and associates 

  • Board members and partners 

  • Service users, participants and communities we work with 

3. Our Commitment

Health Gap CIC will:

  • Ensure all individuals are treated with dignity, fairness and respect 

  • Provide inclusive and accessible services that reflect the diverse needs of communities 

  • Actively identify and remove barriers to participation, particularly for underrepresented or marginalised groups 

  • Embed inclusive thinking into all creative, strategic and delivery work 

  • Promote equality through our campaigns, communications and partnerships 

  • Take a zero-tolerance approach to discrimination, harassment and bullying 

4. Protected Characteristics

We will not discriminate against anyone on the basis of protected characteristics as defined by the Equality Act 2010, including:

  • Age 

  • Disability (including mental health and hidden disabilities) 

  • Gender reassignment 

  • Marriage or civil partnership 

  • Pregnancy and maternity 

  • Race (including nationality and ethnic origin) 

  • Religion or belief 

  • Sex 

  • Sexual orientation 

We also recognise wider inequalities linked to:

  • Socioeconomic background 

  • Health status 

  • Education and access to opportunity 

  • Caring responsibilities 

5. Health Inequality Focus

As an organisation, Health Gap CIC recognises that inequality is not only social, but deeply linked to health outcomes.

We are committed to:

  • Designing work that improves access to health information and services 

  • Communicating complex health issues in ways that are inclusive, accessible and culturally relevant 

  • Engaging communities that are often excluded or underserved 

  • Using creativity and communication to drive behaviour change and improve wellbeing 

  • Taking an evidence-based approach to setting our EDI priorities

  • Challenging stigma, bias and systemic inequality within healthcare narratives 

6. Inclusive Practice in Our Work

We will ensure that:

  • Our creative output reflects diverse communities authentically and responsibly 

  • Language, imagery and messaging are inclusive and non-stereotypical 

  • Accessibility is considered in all formats (digital, physical, experiential) 

  • Community voices are included in the development of our work where possible 

  • We aim to co-develop and co-design with underserved communities, not just for them

7. Employment & Opportunities

Health Gap CIC is committed to fair and inclusive employment practices:

  • Recruitment and selection processes will be transparent, fair and non-discriminatory 

  • Opportunities will be open to all, with proactive steps taken to reach underrepresented groups 

  • Staff and collaborators will have equal access to development, training and progression 

  • Flexible working and reasonable adjustments will be supported wherever possible 

  • Mentorship and talent development will be encouraged as part of our culture 

8. Positive Action

Where appropriate and lawful, we will take positive action to:

  • Increase participation from underrepresented groups 

  • Support individuals facing barriers to opportunity 

  • Develop inclusive talent pipelines 

9. Working Environment

We aim to create a working culture that is:

  • Inclusive, supportive and respectful 

  • Free from discrimination, harassment and bias 

  • Open to different perspectives and lived experiences 

All individuals associated with Health Gap CIC are expected to contribute to this environment.

10. Reporting & Accountability

Any concerns, complaints or breaches of this policy should be reported promptly.

We will:

  • Take all complaints seriously 

  • Investigate fairly and confidentially 

  • Take appropriate action where necessary 

Breaches of this policy may result in disciplinary action or termination of engagement.

11. Monitoring & Review

We will:

  • Regularly review our practices to ensure alignment with this policy 

  • Monitor diversity and inclusion where appropriate 

  • Monitor training and development access

  • Monitor complaints and outcomes

  • Continuously improve how we address inequality and inclusion 

This policy will be reviewed annually.

12. Responsibility

  • The Board of Directors holds overall responsibility for this policy 

  • Leadership is responsible for implementation and culture 

  • All staff, partners and collaborators share responsibility for upholding these principles 

Summary

Health Gap CIC is committed to using creativity, communication and collaboration to reduce inequality and improve health outcomes for all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are fundamental to achieving our mission.