Equality & Equal Opportunities Policy
Organisation: JUST PENNY CIC
Company Number: 16627025
Responsible Director: Azhar Kayani
Contact: justpennyuk@gmail.com
Adopted: 8 September 2026
Review Date: September 2027
1. Purpose
JUST PENNY CIC is committed to equality, diversity, inclusion and fair treatment.
We aim to ensure that people who engage with our organisation are treated with dignity and respect and have fair opportunities to participate in our activities, services and programmes.
We will not unlawfully discriminate against any person and will seek to remove unreasonable barriers that may prevent people from accessing our activities.
This policy applies to directors, staff, volunteers, contractors, participants, beneficiaries and others acting on behalf of or engaging with JUST PENNY CIC.
2. Our Commitment
JUST PENNY CIC is committed to creating an inclusive environment in which people are respected and valued.
We will seek to:
- provide fair and inclusive access to our activities and services;
- treat people with dignity, courtesy and respect;
- promote equality of opportunity;
- challenge unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation;
- make reasonable adjustments where appropriate for disabled people;
- consider the different needs of the communities we serve;
- encourage participation from people who may experience social or economic disadvantage; and
- make decisions fairly and objectively.
3. Equality Act 2010
JUST PENNY CIC will seek to operate in accordance with the Equality Act 2010 and other applicable equality legislation.
We will not unlawfully discriminate because of:
- age;
- disability;
- gender reassignment;
- marriage or civil partnership;
- pregnancy or maternity;
- race, including colour, nationality and ethnic or national origin;
- religion or belief;
- sex; or
- sexual orientation.
These are the protected characteristics recognised by the Equality Act 2010.
4. Access to Our Services and Activities
JUST PENNY CIC provides community-focused activities which may include food and cost-of-living support, social inclusion and wellbeing programmes, youth development, community events, educational activities and health-awareness initiatives.
We will seek to make these activities accessible to eligible members of the communities they are intended to serve.
Where a particular programme is designed for a specific group because of an identified community need, any eligibility criteria will be based on the legitimate aims and requirements of that programme and applied fairly.
5. Disability and Reasonable Adjustments
JUST PENNY CIC will take reasonable steps to reduce barriers experienced by disabled people.
Depending upon the activity and individual circumstances, this may include considering:
- accessibility of venues;
- communication requirements;
- physical access;
- alternative ways of providing information; and
- reasonable adjustments that enable participation.
Participants are encouraged to tell us about reasonable adjustments they may require.
6. Recruitment and Volunteering
Where JUST PENNY CIC recruits employees or volunteers, decisions will be based on the requirements of the role, relevant skills, experience, suitability and any lawful safeguarding requirements.
Recruitment, selection, training and development opportunities will be provided without unlawful discrimination.
Where positive action is permitted by law to address disadvantage or under-representation, JUST PENNY CIC may consider appropriate measures.
7. Harassment, Bullying and Victimisation
JUST PENNY CIC does not accept unlawful harassment, bullying, intimidation or victimisation within its activities.
Directors, staff, volunteers and others representing the organisation are expected to behave respectfully towards colleagues, beneficiaries, participants and members of the public.
Concerns about inappropriate behaviour will be taken seriously and dealt with appropriately.
8. Community Inclusion
JUST PENNY CIC’s constitutional objectives include promoting social inclusion and community cohesion and supporting people who may experience disadvantage, hardship or isolation.
We recognise that barriers to participation can arise from factors including disability, language, poverty, cultural circumstances, social isolation and lack of confidence.
Where reasonably practicable, we will consider these barriers when planning and delivering our programmes.
Our aim is to enable people from different backgrounds to participate in community life with dignity and respect.
9. Religious and Cultural Respect
JUST PENNY CIC respects the religious beliefs, non-religious beliefs and cultural backgrounds of the people with whom we work.
Our community services will be delivered without unlawful discrimination on grounds of religion or belief.
Where practical and appropriate, reasonable religious and cultural requirements may be considered when planning activities, provided that doing so does not unlawfully discriminate against others or undermine the purpose or safety of the activity.
10. Complaints and Concerns
Anyone who believes they have experienced discrimination, harassment, unfair treatment or exclusion in connection with JUST PENNY CIC may raise the matter with us.
Concerns can be sent to:
Azhar Kayani
Director
JUST PENNY CIC
Email: justpennyuk@gmail.com
Concerns will be considered fairly, sensitively and as confidentially as reasonably possible.
No person should be treated adversely simply because they have raised a genuine concern or complaint in good faith.
11. Responsibilities
The directors of JUST PENNY CIC have overall responsibility for promoting this policy.
Anyone representing JUST PENNY CIC is expected to:
- follow this policy;
- treat others respectfully;
- avoid unlawful discriminatory behaviour;
- raise serious equality concerns where appropriate; and
- support an inclusive environment.
12. Monitoring and Review
JUST PENNY CIC will consider equality and accessibility when developing its activities and will take account of participant feedback where appropriate.
This policy will be reviewed at least annually and earlier where:
- relevant legislation or guidance changes;
- the organisation’s activities materially change;
- experience identifies improvements that should be made; or
- the directors otherwise consider a review necessary.
Approved on behalf of JUST PENNY CIC
Azhar Kayani
Director
Date: 8 September 2026