MALDEN EMERGENCY FIRST AID SOCIETY

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES POLICY

This Charity has an equal opportunity policy for members.  For this purpose the policy covers all aspects of membership including Trustee, office holder, consultancy and expert advisor. The Charity will recruitment and train any member of the public irrespective of race, belief, gender, age (above 7 years) or ability.
To ensure that this policy is operating effectively (and for no other purpose) the Charity may maintains records of members' racial origins, gender, age and disability. The Executive will monitor any complaints and undertake regular analysis of such records to provide the basis for appropriate action to eliminate unlawful direct and indirect discrimination and promote equality of opportunity.
Our aim is that the composition of our membership should reflect that of the community within the area in which each Unit has a presence or the area where new Units may be established. To achieve this we will seek assistance and the involvement of local voluntary groups. Measures to implement this policy have been arrived at in consultation with members and other voluntary groups.
The Committee is responsible for the effective operation of this policy. COMMITTEE AND OFFICER POSTS
Wherever possible all positions will be advertised in accordance with the Charity's Constitution save for ad hoc appointments during the year resulting from resignations or the need for expert opinion within sub-committees at short notice.
Steps will be taken to ensure that knowledge of requirements reaches all members especially those in underrepresented groups.
All members have a duty to nominate individuals for positions for which the individual has knowledge or experience relevant to the position to be held irrespective of race, gender, beliefs, age or disability. The Committee will keep under review nominations to ensure that they are justifiable on non-discriminatory grounds.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES POLICY

MEMBERSHIP RECORDS
In order to ensure the effective operation of the equal opportunity policy (and for no other purpose) a record will be kept of all member applications, their gender, racial origins, age and any disability.
Where necessary, members will be able to check and correct their own record of these details. Otherwise, access to this information will be strictly restricted.
Such records will be analysed from time to time and appropriate follow-up action taken.
GENERAL
The objectives of this Statement are to:
•  Ensure that MEFAS has access to the widest sector of citizens prepared to undertake voluntary activities to assist their community in civil disaster situations and who are willing to train to assist other citizens should they be called upon irrespective of their race, gender, beliefs, or disability.
•	Ensure that no member receives less favourable treatment, and that, wherever possible, they are given the help they need to attain their full potential to the benefit of the Charity and themselves.
• 	Achieve a membership which is in line with the population mix in the local environment.
The cooperation of all members is essential for the success of this policy. Behavior or actions against the spirit of this policy will be will be considered serious and may, in some cases, lead to membership being revoked.