Equality and Diversity Policy

Great Northern Events NW Ltd is dedicated to encouraging a supportive and inclusive culture amongst the workforce, at fairs, in outreach work and in other outward facing projects. Our aims are to create a working environment that is diverse, promotes positivity and instills a can-do attitude in everyone, no matter what their background or characteristics. It is within our best interest to promote diversity and eliminate discrimination in the workplace and in the craft sector in which we work.

Our aim is to ensure that all employees, job applicants, volunteers, selectors, contractors & freelancers, exhibitors and board members are given equal opportunity and that our organisation is representative of all sections of society. Each of the aforementioned will be treated fairly, respected and valued and able to give their best as a result. 

This policy reinforces our commitment to providing equality and fairness to all in our employment and within exhibitor recruitment and not to provide less favourable facilities or treatment on the grounds of any of the protected characteristics as identified by the Equality Act (2010) ie. age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, ethnic origin, colour, nationality, national origin, religion or belief, or sex and sexual orientation. We are opposed to all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination. Furthermore, special efforts will be made to promote opportunities to those who are under-represented in our sector and to encourage people with the relevant protected characteristics to take part in events and projects.

Great Northern Events NW Ltd will inform all employees,  contractors,  freelancers, exhibitors, participants and visitors to events that an equality and diversity policy is in operation and that they are obligated to comply with its requirements. We will encourage anyone who feels they have been subject to discrimination to raise their concerns so we can apply corrective measures Any form of intimidation, bullying or harassment will not be tolerated and those who breech this policy will be disciplined as appropriate by the Directors.

Continual monitoring of the audiences and participants at our events and taking part in our  projects through evaluation, is seen as an essential part of planning.  Our ambition is to reflect and represent today’s UK in both audience and participants. We aim to increase access, opportunity, participation and involvement in all our activities for those under-served communities and marketing and promotion activity reflects this. As stated in GNE’s inclusivity statement- Attracting the least engaged and increasing the range and social diversity of our audience is as much of a priority, as increasing the numbers and deepening the engagement of our current audience.

Great Northern Events NW Ltd’s equality and diversity policy is fully supported by the Directors and Board. Our policy will be monitored and reviewed annually to ensure that equality and diversity remains at the forefront of the organisation and its projects.

Please also see our Inclusivity Statement.

Great Northern Events NW Ltd is a not for profit organization, registered at Companies House, Company No 06419531