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| Date of Issue: | 2nd Sept 2026 |
|---|---|
| Approved by: | PCC |
| Review frequency: | 3 years. |
The Parish of Bracknell Parochial Church Council (“the PCC”) sets out the following policy approved by the PCC.
Introduction
The Parish of Bracknell is committed to encouraging equality, diversity, and inclusion in all its activities.
We believe that all people are created equal in the sight of God, and we seek to promote all the organisation’s activities in ways which recognise and encourage that principle.
Purpose
The purpose of this policy is providing equality, fairness, and respect for all employees, volunteers, job applicants and coverall all church related activities. The Parish of Bracknell will not unlawfully discriminate, either directly or indirectly, on the grounds of the Equality Act 2010 protected characteristics of:
- age
- gender reassignment
- being married or in a civil partnership
- being pregnant or on maternity leave
- disability
- race including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin
- religion or belief
- sex
- sexual orientation
Notwithstanding the above, it may be a requirement for some paid and volunteer roles within the Church that the applicant be a practising Christian, under the “occupational requirement” regulations of the Equality Act.
The PCC reserves the right to refuse the use of church premises which would bring the church into disrepute.
Scope
This policy applies to all employees, trustees, and volunteers in The Parish of Bracknell.
Responsibilities
The EDI Policy must be upheld by the PCC and those in leadership positions, both ordained and lay, to encourage cultural change within the church and to ensure all are welcome.
Everyone who is part of the church has individual responsibility under this policy to ensure that the service they deliver and their behaviour towards other staff, volunteers, church members, and all those they come into contact within the course of their duties is both fair and lawful, irrespective of the position held by them.
Everyone who is part of the church should endeavour to ensure that the language they use, the behaviour they adopt, and the working environment they create is non-threatening and non-discriminatory. This is to preserve dignity and respect for all.
The policy will be implemented in accordance with the appropriate statutory requirements and full account will be taken of all available guidance, and any relevant Codes of Practice.
Policy statement
The Parish of Bracknell will:
- Demonstrate commitment to treating all who come to be involved with, attend or visit the church, however infrequently, fairly and with respect;
- Ensure equality, diversity and inclusion are fully reflected in our employment and volunteer practices and procedures, and that the principles of equality and inclusion are understood by all;
- Work to ensure the Parish of Bracknell attracts and retains diverse representation throughout the life of the church in volunteering and other roles within the parish to be reflective of the parish and wider community;
- aim to challenge and eliminate discrimination in all its activities;
- promote a culture where all are treated with respect and dignity and recognises the value that a diverse church can bring;
- not discriminate, or in any way treat anyone less favourably, on grounds such as age, gender reassignment, being single, married or in a civil partnership, being pregnant or on maternity leave, disability, race including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief (with the exception of roles within the church which necessarily require commitment to the Christian faith), sex, sexual orientation, within the context of our Christian beliefs and applicable Church of England laws and regulations.