1. Purpose
Prior Mindset is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and equitable environment for all clients, staff, and associates. This policy ensures compliance with the Equality Act 2010, the Human Rights Act 1998, and relevant professional standards. It sets out how services will be delivered in a way that is non-discriminatory, accessible, and respectful of diversity.
2. Scope
This policy applies to:
All Prior Mindset practitioners, staff, contractors, and associates.
All services delivered in person, online, or via telephone/video platforms.
All clients, families, and partners engaging with Prior Mindset.
3. Policy Statement
Everyone has the right to be treated fairly, with dignity and respect.
No individual will experience discrimination on the basis of age, disability, gender identity, sex, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy/maternity, or socio-economic background.
Prior Mindset will make reasonable adjustments to ensure services are accessible to all clients.
Practitioners will actively promote inclusivity and challenge discriminatory behaviour.
4. Accessibility in Online Service Delivery
To ensure equitable access, Prior Mindset will:
Use secure platforms that allow features such as live captions, text chat support, and compatibility with screen readers.
Provide information in alternative formats on request (e.g. large print, plain text, audio).
Offer flexibility in scheduling for clients with caring responsibilities, neurodiverse needs, or fluctuating health conditions.
Carry out individual accessibility assessments at the start of services to identify adjustments required.
Ensure that interpreters, BSL support, or other communication aids can be arranged where needed.
5. Responsibilities
All Staff and Practitioners
Must complete equality and diversity training at induction and every 2 years.
Must ensure respectful and inclusive language and behaviour at all times.
Must record and escalate any incidents of discrimination or harassment.
Management
Ensures all services comply with the Equality Act 2010.
Provides resources and support for reasonable adjustments.
Monitors equality performance and client feedback to improve inclusivity.
6. Complaints and Breaches
Clients or staff who feel they have experienced discrimination or exclusion may raise concerns under the Complaints Policy.
All complaints will be investigated promptly and confidentially.
Discriminatory behaviour by staff may result in disciplinary action.
7. Monitoring and Review
Prior Mindset will monitor client feedback, service usage, and outcomes to identify barriers to access.
Policy effectiveness will be reviewed annually, with input from staff and clients.
Findings will be used to improve equality of service provision.
8. Policy Ownership
Owned by: Senior Management Team
Supported by: Equality and Diversity Lead (if appointed)
Applies across all Prior Mindset services and platforms.