Mariclare Carey-Jones, working through the Memorable Creative Journalism (MCJ) brand, is committed to encouraging equality, diversity and inclusion among her freelance workforce, and eliminating unlawful discrimination.

The aim is for her workforce to be truly representative of all sections of society, and for them and everyone they interview to feel respected and able to give their best. The organisation is also committed against unlawful discrimination..

The policy’s purpose

This policy’s purpose is to:

1. Provide equality, fairness and respect for all in MCJ’s employment
2. Not unlawfully discriminate because of the Equality Act 2010 protected characteristics of: 

• age
• disability
• gender reassignment
• marriage and civil partnership
• pregnancy and maternity
• race (including colour, nationality, and ethnic or national origin)
• religion or belief
• sex
• sexual orientation

The commitments

The MCJ commits to:

1. Encourage equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace as they are good practice and make business sense.
2. Create a working environment free of bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination, promoting dignity and respect for all, and where individual differences and
3. Take seriously complaints of bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination by fellow employees, customers, suppliers, the public and any others in the course of the organisation’s work activities.

Further, sexual harassment may amount to a criminal matter, such as in sexual assault allegations. In addition, harassment under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 – which is not limited to circumstances where harassment relates to a protected characteristic – is a criminal offence.

4. Review employment practices and procedures when necessary to ensure fairness, and also update them and the policy to take account of changes in the law.
5. Monitor the make-up of the freelance workforce regarding information such as age, sex, ethnic background, sexual orientation, religion or belief, and disability in encouraging equality, diversity and inclusion, and in meeting the aims and commitments set out in the equality, diversity and inclusion policy.

Monitoring will also include assessing how the equality, diversity and inclusion policy, and any supporting action plan, are working in practice, and considering and taking action to address any issues.

Agreement to follow this policy

The equality, diversity and inclusion policy is fully supported by Mariclare Carey-Jones.