Working for equal opportunities
Prospect is committed to a policy of equal opportunities for all members irrespective of sex, marital status, ethnic origin, disability, sexuality, gender identity, age, religion or belief, whether it be in the workplace or in the union. We believe that all workplaces, and society generally will benefit from an inclusive environment.
You can find out more about our work across the equality areas using the links on the left.
Equality networks
Prospect's equality networks are open to all members of the union who have a particular interest in that specific issue covered by each network, with the exception of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans network where members should identify as LGBT to join the network. Networks include the following:
- race equality
- lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans
- disabilities
- women in science and engineering (WISENET)
- womenet
- homeworkers
- young professionals.
The networks assist our Equal Opportunities Advisory Committee in advising the National Executive Committee on policy and action in each arena. They also help us to:
- provide support and advice for members in the workplace
- campaign against discrimination in the workplace and generally in society
- facilitate contacts between network members in order to share information and experience
- keep people informed of conferences, seminars and other events
- consult members on issues that affect them.
The networks do not remove or circumvent the role of branches in deciding policy, eg at our national conference.
Joining a network
You can sign up to most of our networks through your member welcome page - just click on the option to change your settings, then go to the 'my interests' tab. Alternatively, contact Sandie Maile at sandie.maile@prospect.org.uk
If you join a network, you are making no commitments. If you don't want to exchange your contact details with other members, you can elect just to receive information from Prospect, and we will be happy to receive any feedback.
Members of the networks must be cognisant of Prospect's objects in promoting equal opportunities for all, irrespective of race, ethnic origin, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, age or religion. Accordingly, the networks should not be used to disseminate any offensive views or materials.
One lay member from each network is co-opted to our Equal Opportunities Advisory Committee. Additional lay members can be co-opted from a network at the discretion of the National Executive Committee.
Equality leaflet and calendar
Prospect has published an equality leaflet which encompasses a calendar of dates surrounding equalities issues for 2013. The calendar is intended to help you celebrate equality and diversity by organising events or discussions linked to key dates. If you organise any such events we would love to hear from you so that we can publicise your activities.
Please display the calendar on notice boards in prominent places throughout your workplaces and contact us for supplies of the leaflet, specifying the size (e.g. for leaflets or posters) and number required.
Equality at Work
Prospect has produced a members' guide Equality at Work, which is a
Equality Briefings, Resources and Digests
Equality Briefings provide advice and guidance on a range of equalities issues and a Briefing has been produced with links to Prospect's resources for equality, including our guides, posters and leaflets etc. Equality Digests alert representatives and members of equality networks to recent circulars, newsletters, email alerts, events etc
Links
The TUC website has a wide range of information on equal rights for women and men and part-timers' rights, equality for black workers, lesbian and gay rights, and disability issues. Its Changing Times website will help reps and employers develop workable strategies for balancing life at work with life outside.
The TUC and CBI have published a joint report which contains case studies featuring businesses of all sizes that have developed a more diverse workforce. "Talent Not Tokenism" can be downloaded here.
The TUC has produced a new guide on how to persuade employers of the benefits of family friendly policies at work. The guide makes the case for good family friendly working practices and features case studies where unions have negotiated forward thinking policies with employers. Family Friendly Rights: Transforming Britain's Workplaces can be downloaded here.
EHRC: Working Better: A managers’ guide to flexible working This guide “is designed to help business managers discover and implement innovative working methods which improve productivity and customer service, save money and enable employees to balance their work and personal lives”. It has sections covering business benefits, key principles, creating a flexible workplace and key management skills. There are case studies of both large and small organisations and a Q&A section about dealing with challenging situations. A chapter containing personal stories demonstrates the benefits of flexible working for employees.
See other pages in this area of the site for links on specific equalities issues.