Equal Opportunity & Non-Discrimination Policy

1. Our commitment

The Foundation is committed to equal opportunity, dignity and inclusion. We will not tolerate discrimination in our programmes, volunteering, employment, procurement or governance.

2. Who this policy applies to

This policy applies to trustees, staff, volunteers, interns, consultants, contractors, partners, programme participants and anyone interacting with the Foundation.

3. Protected characteristics

We do not discriminate on the basis of caste, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, language, region, ethnicity, marital status, pregnancy, health status, socio-economic background, political belief or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

We recognise that some programmes may be designed for particular underserved groups. Those programmes are based on legitimate charitable need and are not intended to discriminate unlawfully.

4. Programme access

We will advertise programmes fairly, use clear and relevant selection criteria and make reasonable efforts to reach underrepresented groups. Selection will be based on the programme’s purpose and the applicant’s needs, qualifications or potential, not on irrelevant personal characteristics.

5. Reasonable accommodation

We will make reasonable accommodations for disability, health conditions, pregnancy, religious practice, language and other needs where practicable. Tell us what you need as early as possible so that we can plan.

6. Volunteering and employment

Volunteer and employment decisions will be based on role requirements, skills, experience and conduct. We will not use discriminatory recruitment practices, and we will apply consistent criteria to screening, training, recognition and progression.

7. Harassment and bullying

Harassment, bullying, intimidation and retaliation are forms of misconduct and are not tolerated. Sexual harassment is also covered by our Workplace Harassment & POSH Policy.

8. Raising a concern

If you experience or witness discrimination, report it to contact@sangathya.org or to our Grievance Officer, yet to be appointed. We will handle the concern confidentially, fairly and without retaliation. Postal address: Registered address will be published once registration is complete.

9. No retaliation

We will not retaliate against anyone who raises a discrimination concern in good faith or participates in an investigation.

10. Monitoring and review

We will review our practices periodically, consider feedback from participants and volunteers and take reasonable steps to improve inclusion. We may collect anonymised or aggregate diversity information where lawful and useful, with appropriate consent.