Approved by Trustees: January, 2026
Review Date: January, 2027
1. Introduction
DARTFORD NEPALESE COMMUNITY (“DNC” or “the Charity”) is committed to promoting equality, diversity, inclusion, dignity and respect in all areas of its work. The Charity recognises the value of a diverse community and seeks to ensure that no individual or group is unfairly excluded, disadvantaged, or treated less favourably.
This policy reflects the Charity’s commitment to complying with the Equality Act 2010 and associated guidance applicable to charities.
DNC works in the interests of the local community, particularly supporting the Nepalese community through education, training, cultural activities, well-being initiatives, language support, IT training, and community development activities.
The Charity acknowledges that some groups and individuals experience barriers, exclusion, discrimination, and unequal access to opportunities. DNC is committed to taking positive and practical steps to remove barriers and create an inclusive environment for trustees, volunteers, beneficiaries, service users, partners, and members of the public.
2. Purpose of the Policy
This policy aims to:
• Promote equality of opportunity for everyone involved with DNC;
• Eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment, victimisation and bullying;
• Foster good relations between people from different backgrounds;
• Ensure services and activities are accessible and inclusive;
• Support participation from underrepresented and disadvantaged groups;
• Ensure fair and transparent decision-making;
• Embed equality, diversity and inclusion into governance, recruitment, volunteering and service delivery.
3. Scope of the Policy
This policy applies to trustees, volunteers, members, staff (if employed), contractors, beneficiaries, service users, partner organisations, and anyone acting on behalf of DNC.
The policy applies to all activities undertaken by the Charity, including educational programmes, language classes, IT training, community events, workshops, seminars, grant-making activities, recruitment, volunteering, communications, and outreach activities.
4. Legal Framework
This policy is informed by:
• The Equality Act 2010;
• Charity Commission guidance on equality for charities;
• Public benefit obligations under charity law;
• Safeguarding responsibilities relating to children and vulnerable adults.
Protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010 include age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.
DNC restrain all forms of discrimination including- direct discrimination, indirect discrimination and associative/preceptive discrimination
5. Our Commitment
DNC is committed to ensuring that:
• Everyone is treated with dignity and respect;
• Diversity is recognised, valued and celebrated;
• Services are delivered fairly and appropriately;
• Participation opportunities are open and accessible;
• Decisions are made fairly, consistently and transparently;
• Harassment, bullying and discrimination are not tolerated;
• People can participate without fear of prejudice or exclusion.
6. Equality and Inclusion in Service Delivery
DNC provides services primarily intended to support the Nepalese community in Dartford and surrounding areas through educational, cultural and well-being activities.
The Charity recognises that some members of the Nepalese and Gurkha communities may experience language barriers, social isolation, digital exclusion, difficulties accessing mainstream services, cultural barriers, and economic disadvantage.
DNC may take proportionate steps to address disadvantage and improve participation among groups experiencing barriers or underrepresentation.
7. Recruitment, Volunteering and Governance
DNC is committed to fair recruitment and volunteering practices.
The Charity will:
• Recruit trustees and volunteers based on skills, experience, suitability and commitment;
• Encourage participation from diverse backgrounds;
• Avoid discriminatory recruitment practices;
• Ensure selection decisions are transparent and fair;
• Provide equal access to volunteering opportunities;
• Support volunteers with reasonable adjustments where needed.
8. Accessibility
DNC will work to make its services and activities as accessible as reasonably possible by:
• Using clear and inclusive communication;
• Considering language and literacy needs;
• Selecting accessible venues where feasible;
• Taking reasonable steps to support disabled participants;
• Providing information in alternative formats when practical;
• Considering digital accessibility in online activities.
9. Harassment, Bullying and Victimisation
DNC has zero tolerance for discrimination, harassment, bullying, intimidation, hate speech, and victimisation.
Any inappropriate behaviour by trustees, volunteers, members, service users or visitors may result in action being taken, including removal from activities or termination of involvement with the Charity.
10. Responsibilities
The Board of Trustees is responsible for approving and reviewing this policy, ensuring legal compliance, promoting equality and inclusion within governance, monitoring implementation, and addressing complaints appropriately.
All volunteers and staff are responsible for treating others respectfully, following this policy, challenging discriminatory behaviour where appropriate, and reporting concerns or incidents.
11. Reporting Concerns and Complaints
Anyone who experiences or witnesses discrimination, harassment or unfair treatment may raise concerns with the Trustees.
Complaints will be taken seriously, investigated fairly, handled sensitively, and addressed promptly where possible.
12. Monitoring and Review
DNC will monitor the effectiveness of this policy through trustee oversight, beneficiary feedback, periodic review of participation and accessibility, and consideration of complaints and incidents.
The policy will be formally reviewed annually or sooner if required.
