Campaigning 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.

This policy forms an integral part of our bargaining agenda. We seek to improve members' conditions of employment and ensure fair treatment at work. For example, Prospect has produced a charter for women in science, engineering and technology which seeks to remove discrimination in pay systems, career development, harassment or any other form.

We also have a number of networks designed to maintain contact between the union and groups of members with a common interest. Communication is primarily by email and covers activities such as information and consultation on policies, activities, and campaigns. Networks include the following:

• race equality
• lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans
• disabilities
• women in science and engineering (WISENET)
• womenet
• homeworkers
• young professionals.

We have a national equal opportunities advisory committee which advises our national executive committee and promotes equal opportunities generally within the union.

All our training courses are welcoming and inclusive. Equal opps reps are strongly encouraged to attend the appropriate courses, which include discrimination law and workplace equal opportunities.

Prospect's 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.

The aims of the networks are to assist the EOAC in advising the NEC on policy and action in each arena, and to:

• provide support and advice for members in the workplace
• campaigning against discrimination in the workplace and generally in society
• facilitate contacts between network members in order to share information and experience
• keep network members informed of conferences, seminars and other events
• consult network members on issues that affect them.

It is not intended that the networks remove or circumvent the role of branches in deciding policy, eg at BNC

You are making no commitments if you join any of the network(s). If members do not wish to exchange their contact details with other members, then they 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 shall be co-opted to the NEC Equal Opportunities Advisory Sub-Committee. More than one member from each network may be co-opted to the EOAC at the discretion of the National Executive Committee.

If you wish to join one of Prospect's equality networks contact Sandie Maile at sandie.maile@prospect.org.uk

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.

See other pages in this area of the site for links on specific equalities issues.