Equal Opportunities, Diversity & Discrimination

The selection of templates combine to form a joined-up toolkit for Equal Opportunities, Diversity & Discrimination. They allow an organisation to define its equality standards, handle complaints fairly, monitor pay objectively and manage disability issues lawfully, creating a defensible, evidence-based approach to equal opportunities and diversity through the employer/employee relationship.

Legal Compliance

All these template have been drafted by experienced HR Professionals and solicitors, and are compliant with The Equality Act 2010 and the Worker Protection (Amendment of the Equality Act 2010) Act 2023. There are considerable potential pitfalls for employers in managing their responsibilities under The Equality Act. Having proper policies and procedures in place is essential to mitigate potential pitfalls. Workplace discrimination can lead to employment tribunal claims and financial penalties: Financial awards to successful claimants in discrimination cases are uncapped.

Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy Template

The standard Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy sets out your organisation’s overarching commitment to fairness, inclusion and non-discrimination in line with current equality legislation. It explains how you will treat employees, workers and applicants fairly, prohibiting discrimination, harassment and victimisation on protected grounds and promoting a positive, inclusive culture.

Purpose:

• Building the equality and diversity section of your staff handbook
• Demonstrating a clear, written commitment to equal treatment across the employment lifecycle

Equality & Diversity Policy with Grievance & Disciplinary Procedures

This expanded Equality & Diversity Policy with Grievance & Disciplinary Procedures combines the standard equal opportunities policy with clear, ACAS-aligned processes for raising and managing discrimination complaints. It explains how employees can raise equality-related grievances, the steps managers must follow, and the disciplinary consequences where discrimination, harassment or victimisation is proven, reflecting current best practice. 

Purpose:

• Organisations that want a “one-stop” equality policy plus complaint and disciplinary framework
• Evidencing that you take discrimination allegations seriously and follow a fair, consistent process

Equal Pay Audit Guidance Notes

The Equal Pay Audit Guidance Notes explain how to plan and carry out an equal pay audit, from gathering pay data through to interpreting results and identifying significant pay gaps. They are designed to be used alongside the Equal Pay Audit Form (see below), helping HR and finance teams collate comparable information, assess pay structures and document the actions needed to tackle any unjustified differences in pay. 

Purpose:

• Step-by-step instructions on running a compliant equal pay review
• Supporting narrative and methodology to sit behind pay-gap reporting and action plans

Equal Pay Audit Form Template

This practical Equal Pay Audit Form provides a structured format for collecting and analysing pay information by grade, role or category of staff, enabling you to identify and evidence any significant pay gaps. Although equal pay audits are not yet mandatory for all employers, using this form regularly is recognised as good practice and helps demonstrate proactive compliance with equal pay principles and equality legislation.

Purpose:

• HR, payroll and finance teams to record equal pay data consistently
• Producing clear, auditable evidence of how pay decisions are measured and reviewed

Disability Discrimination Guidance Notes

The Disability Discrimination Guidance Notes give employers and managers practical guidance on recognising disability under the Equality Act 2010 and making reasonable adjustments. They cover how disability is defined, what “normal day-to-day activities” and “substantial” or “long-term” adverse effects mean, and give examples of reasonable steps an employer may need to take. These notes can also be issued to job applicants alongside application forms and monitoring documents as part of a transparent, disability-inclusive recruitment process.

Purpose:

• Line managers and HR when assessing reasonable adjustments or handling disability-related issues
• Embedding disability awareness into recruitment, onboarding and ongoing employment practices

• Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy
• Equality & Diversity Policy with Grievance & Disciplinary Procedures
• Equal Pay Audit Guidance Notes
• Equal Pay Audit Form
• Disability Discrimination Guidance Notes

Equal Opportunities, Diversity & Discrimination is part of Employment. Just £38.50 + VAT provides unlimited downloads from Employment for 1 year.