Equality and Diversity Policy

This web version was checked against the published PDF on 15 September 2026. The document’s original approval and review dates are retained below.

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Introduction

We are entirely a voluntary run organisation, originally established in 1997. We have an Executive Committee of 6-8 members, who co-ordinate and oversee community activity, and group policies, but is guided by the needs and desires of the wider membership. We have an open access membership which is free of charge. Newsome Community Forum’s ambitions are

• To bring together representatives from community organisations, and people who live or work in the Newsome Ward, to enable them to share information and explore ways to help each other, and to discuss the needs of the people in the area.
• To develop a strategy for the improvement of the neighbourhoods of the Newsome Ward.
• To encourage people to influence decision-making in their communities.

The Diversity of Newsome Area

The Newsome Community Forum area consists of Newsome (including all Lockwood Scar), plus Primrose Hill, Ashenhurst, Lowerhouses, Hall Bower, Berry Brow, Armitage Bridge, Taylor Hill The area is within the Netherton and Newsome Ward of Kirklees Council. Our focus is within the area defined above, but where appropriate, we will work with partner organisations on key issues that cross boundaries.

The Newsome area has high levels of community activity, and benefits from town centre facilities, open spaces, woodland and farmlands, although the terrain is also challenging to walk being of the edge of the Pennines, the whole area is build on hillsides. We are aware of the broad diversity in the area, but unable to provide accurate data at our level. Ward Level Data is available on the Kirklees Observatory: www.kirklees.gov.uk/observatory

Our Equality and Diversity Statement

We believe in treating everyone fairly and see the diversity of our community as a real strength. We want to build strong communities with a sense of togetherness, and we want to help tackle disadvantage. We would like everyone to be able to realise their potential and to benefit from the cultural, social, economic and civic vitality of our area. We want to meet people’s needs as best we can, and we realise that treating people fairly does not necessarily mean treating everyone as if they are the same.

Our commitment into action

The Newsome Ward Community Forum opposes all forms of discrimination and believes in treating all people fairly regardless of their race, gender or gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, size, age, religion or belief.

We want to make sure that we take equality and diversity into account in all our activities.

Equal citizens’ – different needs

Plans, policies and practice:

We will

• Ensure our plans and policies do not unfairly discriminate against any individual or community group
• Make sure all our volunteers and partners are aware of our Equality and Diversity Policy Statement
• Provide information about our activities that is clear, accurate and accessible, as far as practically possible
• Treat everyone positively, with dignity and respect
• Investigate and respond to, complaints of discrimination, harassment, victimisation and bullying
• Listen to our members to ensure their views are continually taken into consideration to shape decisions.

In partnerships and contracts

We will

• Ensure that our partners and contractors have the same values and principles and approach to equality and diversity as ourselves.
• Shape our knowledge of our diverse communities, their requirements and aspirations, with our partners to help shape and improve the services they provide
• Listen to the views of our partners to help us to improve our work and practice

How will we make this happen?

• The Executive Committee will provide leadership and direction by taking responsibility for the overall management of equality and diversity within the activities and services provided by Newsome Community Forum Ltd
• All volunteers will be made aware of their individual responsibility for ensuring that the principles of equality and diversity are upheld in any activities they lead on.
• All members will be made aware of the Newsome Community Forum’s Equality and Diversity Policy, and encouraged to put principles into practice.
• The Executive Group will ensure that our partners and contractors are aware of and comply with our Equality & Diversity Policy.

This policy is informed by the Equality Act 2010. Newsome Community Forum is committed to preventing discrimination, promoting equality of opportunity and treating everyone with dignity and respect.

Information about Equality and Diversity, plus a link to the Equality Act 2010 can be found on the Government website: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/home-office/about/equality-and-diversity

Adopted on: 14th March 2013 Reviewed on: 8th March 2020 Reviewed on: 11th July 2024 Amended and agreed: 12th March 2026

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