Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Title	EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION (“EDI”) POLICY
Scope	This policy covers all current and potential employees, contributors, and network members. It covers discrimination on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion and/or belief, sex or sexual orientation as set out in the Equality Act 2010. Dementia Researcher recognises that there can be differences between the physical sex and gender assigned at birth and an individual’s gender identity / expression, therefore, this policy also covers discrimination on the basis of a person’s gender identity. This policy should be read in conjunction with those policies published by the Dementia Researcher host organisation – University College London.
Policy Statement	Dementia Researcher, recognises that providing equality of opportunity, valuing diversity, and promoting a culture of inclusion are vital to our success. We want our staff, contributors, network members and visitors to reflect the diversity of the regional, national, and international communities that we serve. We aim to be a place where people can be free to be themselves no matter what their identity or background. By creating a working and social environment in which individuals can use their skills and talents to the full without fear of prejudice or harassment, we aim to create a culture where everyone can reach their fullest potential. We will ensure that equality is embedded in all our activities, policies and decisions and will collaborate with our partners to share good practice. Key to this is our commitment to implementing a programme of activity to progress our equality aims and objectives.
Commitment	We will take active steps to fulfil our responsibilities and promote good practice by: Complying with legal obligations in a transparent manner Developing and publishing all our diversity objectives as well as mainstreaming equality, diversity, and inclusion (“EDI”) into the Dementia Researcher planning process Publishing this policy widely amongst staff and on our website Assessing the impact of policies, content and working practices to identify, remove or mitigate any disadvantage to underrepresented groups or recognise any cultural or religious sensitivity or differences Taking action to redress any gender, racial or other imbalance highlighted from monitoring data Ensure all our contributors represent the diverse community we aim to support Promoting awareness and understanding of EDI matters among staff and other parties through policies, training, guidance, and campaigns Engaging with staff and early career researchers in respect of changes which may affect their employment and the content we provide Ensuring that staff, contributors, and community, are treated fairly and judged solely on merit and by reference to their skills and abilities Raising awareness of our policies and commitment to EDI with external suppliers, contractors and partners and encouraging them to follow similar good practice Ensuring that all Dementia Researcher content is, as far as reasonably possible, welcoming, and accessible to all Making sure reasonable adjustments are made, as appropriate, to enable staff and contributors with disabilities or additional needs to overcome barriers in the working, learning and social environment Requiring that our content, includes positive, diverse imagery that is sensitive and relevant to our global community Ensure compliance with employment and equal opportunity legislation and regulations in the countries in which Dementia Researcher works Ensuring staff and other parties are provided with appropriate tools so that they feel confident to discuss EDI issues and raise any concerns Dealing with potential and actual acts of discrimination, harassment and bullying appropriately under relevant University College London policy and taking appropriate action where necessary
Responsibilities	Everybody working for or connected with Dementia Researcher has a responsibility to promote EDI. The Programme Director has ultimate responsibility for ensuring that this policy is fully implemented.
Implementation, Monitoring and Review	This Policy will be implemented through the Dementia Researcher Strategy Board (to be established in late 2022). Progress against actions and objectives will also be reported to the Strategy Board on a regular basis. We will assess the impact of this Policy by monitoring as follows: Collect and analyse monitoring data on staff and contributors and publish this in our annual report. Collection and analysis of candidate monitoring data. The Programme Director will put in place and maintain measures to ensure that, as far as possible, Dementia Researcher content is created in line with the provisions set out in this policy. This Policy will be reviewed regularly to ensure that it reflects best practice and current legislation.
Training	All staff are required to take part in EDI training appropriate to their role with new staff required to take EDI training as part of their induction.
Complaints Procedures related to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion	Dementia Researcher expects all members of its staff, contributors, and wider community to treat others equitably, with dignity and respect. Anyone who believes they have been discriminated against, harassed, or bullied has the right to make a complaint free from victimisation or fear of retaliation.Anyone who has concerns about the content published on our website or who has special requirements to meet their needs will also be fully supported and encouraged to make contact. All concerns or complaints can be addressed to dementiaresearcher@ucl.ac.uk Further details and next steps can be taken via UCL: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/srs/news/2020/jan/updated-student-complaints-procedure
Effective Date	Updated March 2023
Review Date	January 2024

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion in everything we do. Diverse people and communities shape our support, and we strive to create opportunities for everyone to become involved in research. We provide content to support researchers and to develop a community from multiple disciplines, specialisms, geographies and backgrounds, and work to address barriers to career progression arising from characteristics such as sex, race or disability. Furthermore we strive to ensure that all of our content is available to everyone.

Dementia Researcher is committed to actively and openly supporting and promoting equality, diversity and inclusion.