EQUALITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION POLICY

About this policy

JournoTECH works with people from different backgrounds and communities through technology, artificial intelligence, digital security, journalism, education, research, digital creativity and emerging technologies. We want our programmes, services and working environment to be welcoming, fair and accessible to everyone.

This policy explains our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and how we expect people working with JournoTECH to treat others.

Our commitment

At JournoTECH, we believe people should be treated fairly, respectfully and with dignity. We do not tolerate discrimination, bullying, harassment or unfair treatment. We aim to create an environment where people can:

participate without fear of discrimination;
express themselves respectfully;
contribute their ideas and experiences;
access our programmes and activities fairly;
feel welcomed and included;
ask for support when they need it.

We recognise that people have different experiences, backgrounds, abilities, circumstances and needs. We will make reasonable efforts to remove barriers that prevent people from participating in our work.

Equality, diversity and inclusion at JournoTECH

We understand these terms in practical terms:

Equality means providing fair opportunities and making sure people are not unfairly disadvantaged.

Diversity means recognising and valuing the differences between people and communities.

Inclusion means creating an environment where people feel welcome, respected and able to participate and contribute.

Equality does not always mean treating everyone in exactly the same way. Sometimes people need different types or levels of support to have a fair opportunity to participate.

Who this policy applies to

This policy applies to everyone involved in JournoTECH, including:

directors;
employees;
freelancers;
trainers;
consultants;
specialists;
volunteers;
interns;
participants;
young people;
community members;
partner organisations;
suppliers and contractors;
anyone representing JournoTECH.

We expect everyone working with or representing JournoTECH to behave respectfully towards others.

Protected characteristics

JournoTECH recognises the protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010, including:

age;
disability;
gender reassignment;
marriage and civil partnership;
pregnancy and maternity;
race;
religion or belief;
sex;
sexual orientation.

We will not tolerate unfair treatment because of a person’s protected characteristic.

We will also seek to avoid unfair treatment based on other circumstances, including socioeconomic background, caring responsibilities, educational background, immigration circumstances or digital access needs.

Discrimination

Discrimination can take different forms. This may include:

treating someone unfairly because of who they are;
excluding someone without a legitimate reason;
making offensive or discriminatory comments;
refusing reasonable adjustments;
making assumptions about someone’s ability or background;
unfairly limiting someone’s opportunities;
using stereotypes;
harassment or bullying.

JournoTECH will take concerns about discrimination seriously.

Diversity and representation

JournoTECH values diversity within our team, programmes and partnerships. We recognise that different experiences and perspectives can improve the way technology is developed, taught and used.

Where appropriate and practical, we will seek to involve people with different backgrounds, experiences, skills and perspectives in our work. We will not make recruitment or participation decisions based on stereotypes or assumptions.

Inclusion of children and young people

JournoTECH may deliver activities involving children and young people. We want young participants to feel welcome regardless of their:

background;
ability;
family circumstances;
economic circumstances;
disability or additional needs;
culture;
religion or belief;
gender;
other personal circumstances.

Activities will be designed with age, ability and accessibility in mind. Where appropriate, we will make reasonable adjustments so that children and young people can participate.

Inclusion of adults and communities

Our adult and community programmes may involve people with different levels of digital experience, confidence, education, language ability, disability or access to technology.

We will seek to make activities understandable and accessible. Where appropriate, this may include:

explaining technical terms in plain language;
providing additional support;
allowing extra time;
using different ways of presenting information;
providing accessible materials;
considering physical and digital accessibility;
offering alternative ways to participate.

We will avoid making assumptions about someone’s technical ability or knowledge.

Disability and reasonable adjustments

JournoTECH recognises that disabled people may face barriers when accessing technology, training, events and community activities. Where reasonable and practical, we will make adjustments to help people participate.

Depending on the activity, this may include:

accessible venues;
additional breaks;
alternative formats;
clearer instructions;
assistive technology;
additional time;
alternative ways of completing an activity;
smaller groups;
adjustments to equipment or activities.

We will discuss individual requirements where appropriate rather than making assumptions.

Digital inclusion

Digital access is an important part of JournoTECH’s work.

We recognise that not everyone has:

reliable internet access;
suitable devices;
confidence using technology;
experience with AI;
access to digital training;
the same level of digital literacy.

Where possible, JournoTECH will design activities that reduce unnecessary digital barriers. We aim to make technology understandable and useful rather than assuming that everyone already has the same digital knowledge or access.

Language and communication

We recognise that people may have different communication needs. Where practical, we will use clear and accessible language and avoid unnecessary technical terminology.

For programmes involving young people or community participants, we will explain technical concepts in a way that is appropriate to the audience. Where reasonable and practical, we will consider communication or language support that enables meaningful participation.

Religion, belief and culture

JournoTECH respects people’s religious and cultural beliefs. We will seek to consider relevant needs when organising activities, including where appropriate:

dietary requirements;
religious observance;
cultural considerations;
prayer or other reasonable needs.

We expect participants and staff to respect the beliefs and practices of others. Respect for someone’s beliefs does not mean that discriminatory or abusive behaviour is acceptable.

Gender and sexual orientation

JournoTECH is committed to treating people fairly and respectfully regardless of sex, gender identity or sexual orientation. We will not tolerate bullying, harassment or discriminatory behaviour relating to these characteristics. We will seek to use respectful language and avoid unnecessary assumptions about people’s identities.

Pregnancy, maternity and caring responsibilities

JournoTECH will seek to ensure that pregnancy, maternity or caring responsibilities do not result in unfair treatment. Where appropriate, we will consider reasonable adjustments to participation, working arrangements or programme delivery.

Socioeconomic circumstances

JournoTECH recognises that financial circumstances can affect people’s ability to access technology, training and educational opportunities. Where funding allows, we will seek to provide free or subsidised opportunities for people who may otherwise be unable to participate.

We will avoid unnecessarily identifying or embarrassing people because of their financial circumstances. Where programmes are funded to support people from particular communities or circumstances, eligibility information will be handled respectfully and confidentially.

Bullying and harassment

JournoTECH does not tolerate bullying or harassment. This applies to behaviour:

in person;
online;
through messaging platforms;
during training;
during events;
within our workplace;
through partner activities.

Anyone who experiences or witnesses bullying or harassment should raise the concern with the appropriate JournoTECH contact. Concerns will be taken seriously and handled appropriately.

Recruitment and employment

JournoTECH aims to make recruitment fair and based on the requirements of the role.

We will seek to:

use clear role descriptions;
assess candidates against relevant criteria;
avoid discriminatory assumptions;
provide reasonable adjustments where appropriate;
value different experiences and perspectives;
treat applicants respectfully.

Where a role involves children, young people or adults at risk, safeguarding and suitability requirements will also apply.

Partners, trainers and suppliers

We expect organisations and individuals working with JournoTECH to treat people fairly and respectfully. Where appropriate, we may consider equality, diversity and inclusion when selecting partners, trainers, consultants and suppliers.

We may raise concerns where a partner’s behaviour conflicts with JournoTECH’s values or creates an unacceptable risk of discrimination or exclusion.

Reporting concerns

Anyone who experiences or witnesses discrimination, bullying, harassment or unfair treatment connected to JournoTECH is encouraged to raise the concern.

Concerns can be raised via email: info@journotech.org

Where a concern involves a member of staff or someone responsible for handling the complaint, JournoTECH will provide an alternative route for raising the concern where appropriate.

Responding to concerns

JournoTECH will take concerns seriously and will seek to respond fairly.

Depending on the nature of the concern, we may:

speak with the people involved;
review relevant information;
make reasonable adjustments;
take action to prevent further harm;
provide support;
take disciplinary or contractual action where appropriate;
refer serious concerns to an appropriate external organisation.

We will maintain appropriate confidentiality while recognising that information may need to be shared where there is a safeguarding, legal or other legitimate reason.

Equality and safeguarding

Equality, diversity and inclusion are closely connected to safeguarding.

Discrimination, exploitation, bullying or harassment can create safeguarding risks, particularly for children, young people and adults who may already face barriers or additional vulnerabilities.

JournoTECH will consider equality and inclusion when assessing safeguarding risks and planning activities.

Our Safeguarding Children, Young People and Adults Policy provides further information about how we respond to safeguarding concerns.

Monitoring and learning

JournoTECH will seek to learn from feedback, complaints and experiences of participants and staff.

Where appropriate, we may collect information about participation and accessibility to understand whether particular groups are experiencing barriers.

Any personal information collected for this purpose will be handled in accordance with our GDPR and Record Keeping Policy.

We will use feedback to improve our programmes and services.

Our approach to inclusion

We want people who work with JournoTECH or participate in our programmes to be able to say:

“I am welcome here, I am treated with respect, and I have a fair opportunity to participate.”

We recognise that inclusion is an ongoing process. We will continue to learn, listen and improve our approach as our organisation and programmes develop.