Introduction

Redditch Community Timebank is committed to equality, inclusion, and mutual respect. This policy outlines how we ensure fair treatment for all members, volunteers, coordinators, and partners, regardless of background or identity. It guides our practices and helps us build a Timebank that reflects the diversity of Redditch.

Scope

This policy applies to:

• Timebank members

• Volunteers and coordinators

• Steering Group and advisory partners

• Anyone engaging with Timebank activities or services

It covers all protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010:

• Age

• Disability

• Race and ethnicity

• Sex

• Religion or belief

• Gender reassignment

• Marital or civil partnership status

• Sexual orientation

• Pregnancy and maternity

Our Commitments

We will:

• Promote equality of opportunity in all aspects of Timebanking

• Celebrate the diversity of our community

• Challenge discrimination, harassment, and exclusion

• Ensure our spaces, communications, and exchanges are accessible and welcoming

Responsibilities

Everyone involved in the Timebank shares responsibility for upholding this policy. The Timebank Coordinator and Steering Group will:

• Provide guidance and support on equality matters

• Review this policy regularly

• Act on concerns or breaches with care and integrity

Anti-Discrimination Practices

We actively work to prevent and address:

• Direct discrimination – treating someone unfairly due to a protected characteristic

• Indirect discrimination – applying rules or conditions that disadvantage certain groups

• Associative discrimination – discrimination based on someone’s connection to another person

• Perceptive discrimination – discrimination based on assumptions about someone’s identity

• Harassment – unwanted behaviour that creates a hostile or offensive environment

• Third-party harassment – when someone is harassed by others (e.g. fellow members or partners)

• Victimisation – treating someone unfairly because they raised a concern or complaint

Employment and Volunteering

While the Timebank is primarily volunteer-led, any recruitment, training, or coordination practices will:

• Be inclusive and transparent

• Avoid barriers to participation

• Offer reasonable adjustments where needed

• Treat all applicants and volunteers with fairness and respect

Service Design and Accessibility

We will:

• Design exchanges, events, and communications with accessibility in mind

• Make reasonable adjustments for members with disabilities or access needs

• Ensure no one is excluded due to identity, belief, or background

Data and Monitoring

We comply with UK data protection laws. Where appropriate and proportionate, we may collect anonymised data to understand who is engaging with the Timebank and how we can improve inclusion. Any data collected will be handled with care and transparency.

Review and Learning

This policy will be reviewed annually or in response to feedback, legal updates, or community needs. We welcome suggestions from members on how to improve our practices.