TECSA Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Policy

OUR POLICY’S PURPOSE

1. The Technology and Construction Solicitor’s Association (“TECSA”) is committed to encouraging equality, diversity and inclusion among the Association, and eliminating unlawful discrimination.

2. The aim of this policy (“TECSA ED&I Policy” or “this Policy”) is to communicate the commitment of TECSA and the Members of TECSA to the promotion of equality of opportunity and diversity in TECSA.

3. It is TECSA’s policy to provide equality, fairness and respect in in all its dealings, irrespective of:

3.1 Age

3.2 Disability

3.3 Gender reassignment

3.4 Marital status or civil partnership status

3.5 Pregnancy and maternity

3.6 Race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins)

3.7 Religious or other belief (including political belief)

3.8 Sex

3.9 Sexual orientation

3.10 Having or not having dependents, or

3.11 Physical characteristics.

4. TECSA is opposed to all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination based on the above, including direct and indirect discrimination, victimisation and harassment. We recognise that the provision of equal opportunities in TECSA will help all of its members to develop their full potential, talent and resources and allow us as an organisation to succeed.

SCOPE OF THE POLICY

5. All Members of TECSA are required to uphold the principles contained in this Policy. Breach of this Policy may result in cessation of membership in accordance with Clause 7(iv) of the TECSA Constitution.

6. This Policy applies to:

6.1 Members of TECSA; and

6.2 all the activities & services provided by TECSA.

OUR COMMITMENTS

7. TECSA commits to:

7.1 Encourage equality, diversity and inclusion in all of its dealings and across its membership;

7.2 Encourage, promote and support social mobility;

7.3 Create and promote an environment free of bullying, harassment, victimisation and discrimination, promoting dignity and respect for all, and where individual differences and the contributions of all TECSA Members are recognised and valued;

7.4 Take seriously and addressing all complaints of bullying, harassment, victimisation and discrimination or behaviour that is not in line with this policy by TECSA Members in the course of the organisation’s activities; and

7.5 Regularly review practices and procedures when necessary to ensure fairness, and also update them and this Policy to take account of changes in the law.

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE POLICY

8. In order to implement the TECSA ED&I Policy, TECSA has established an Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Subcommittee (“ED&I Subcommittee”).

9. Together with other appropriate members of the TECSA Committee, the ED&I Subcommittee will monitor the effective implementation of the TECSA ED&I Policy as well as review the Policy’s effectiveness regularly.

10. This shall include:

10.1 Communicating the TECSA ED&I Policy to all Members of TECSA;

10.2 Ensure that activities and/or events organised by TECSA uphold the principles of and comply with this Policy; and

10.3 Monitoring the make-up of the Membership regarding information such as age, sex, ethnic background, sexual orientation, religion or belief, and disability, including assessing how the TECSA ED&I Policy, and any supporting action plan(s), are working in practice, reviewing them annually, and considering and taking action to address any issues.

May 2023