Appendix C :
Diversity Policy
Our Commitment
The Council on Tribunals is fully committed to playing a role in the elimination of discrimination and the promotion of equality and diversity, within the context of our statutory defined role and purpose. We will do this by:
- recognising our responsibility to take account of the interests of all sections of society in our work and ensure that the tribunals we oversee do likewise;
- consulting fully with all those likely to be affected by our work, including the variety of different groups within society;
- paying particular attention to the composition of tribunals in our visits to tribunal hearings to enable us to monitor whether they reflect the diversity of society;
- in commenting on the procedural rules for tribunal, paying particular attention to any potential adverse impact on particular people or groups of people;
- paying particular attention in our visits to tribunal hearings to the accessibility of the services provided by the tribunal, including such matters as access for disabled customers, the availability of services in alternative formats and languages, and the provision of special services such as interpreters and sign language;
- promoting equal access to tribunals for all members of society;
- overseeing how tribunals are meeting their obligations to provide inclusive services;
- ensuring that our business processes and the way that we communicate enables us to provide an inclusive service to all of our customers and stakeholder bodies;
- assessing the impact of our work, and if any aspect adversely affects particular groups within society, taking action to remove that effect;
- having full regard to guidance concerning the tone and language of our publications to ensure that they are fully accessible;
- designating a member of the Council as having particular responsibility for equality and diversity issues, which will be reflected in his/her objectives;
- ensuring that members and staff receive diversity training and refresher training as appropriate;
- ensuring that the physical facilities and arrangements for our visitors meet their particular needs, wherever possible;
- promoting a culture in the tribunals world which values diversity, inclusiveness and respect.
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