Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) policy

This policy reinforces our commitment to provide equality, fairness and respect for all of our employees and members and we will not provide less favourable employment, support or guidance on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race (including colour, nationality, and ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation, in line with the Equality Act 2010.

The Association opposes and avoids all forms of unlawful discrimination. This includes: 

• Pay and benefits
• Terms and conditions of employment
• Dealing with grievances and discipline
• Dismissal
• Redundancy
• Leave for parents
• Requests for flexible working
• Selection for employment, promotion, training or other development opportunities

The Association commits to making equality, diversity and inclusion fundamental to our members and employees. We pledge to:

• Create an inclusive culture, both within our workplace and across our membership.
• Help to encourage all members to make equine veterinary medicine representative of the diverse communities around us.
• Lead the way in breaking down barriers and work on enhancing diverse voices within our organisation.
• Create an environment in which individual differences and contributions of all members and employees are recognised and valued.
• To not tolerate any form of intimidation, bullying or harassment, and to discipline those that breach this policy.
• Encourage anyone who feels they have been subject to discrimination to raise their concerns so we can apply corrective measures.
• Serve its members in a manner that is fair and free from discrimination
• Develop and promote positive working relations with all members and employees.

The Association pledges to:

• Investigate and take appropriate action for all complaints relating to any strand of equality.
• All complaints made in regard to unfair treatment or discrimination will be taken seriously and investigated within 10 working days.
• A report of such complaints and investigations, together with the action taken, will be held on file by the organisation for 3 years.

The Board of Management of BEVA endorses and is accountable for ensuring that this Equality Policy is implemented and will deal with any actual or potential breaches. The BEVA Chief Executive has the overall responsibility for the implementation of the Equality Policy. This policy will be reviewed annually by the Board of Management, the BEVA EDI Officer and the BEVA Chief Executive.