The Willow Tree Foundation CIC

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Policy

1. Policy Statement

The Willow Tree Foundation CIC is committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion across all aspects of our work, including our nature-based therapy programmes, biodynamic orchard and garden activities, community wellbeing events, workshops, and partnerships.

We aim to create environments — both indoors and outdoors — where everyone is treated with dignity, respect and fairness, and where individual differences are valued and celebrated.

We do not tolerate discrimination, harassment, victimisation or exclusion in any form.

2. Purpose and Scope

This policy outlines our commitment to ensuring equality of opportunity for all staff, volunteers, participants, contractors, beneficiaries and partners.

It applies to recruitment and volunteering, service delivery, therapeutic practice, partnerships (including NHS and statutory services), governance, and community engagement.

3. Legal and Regulatory Framework

This policy is guided by the Equality Act 2010 and aligned with best practice guidance for community interest companies, charities and health-sector partnerships.

Under the Equality Act 2010, discrimination is unlawful on the basis of protected characteristics including:
– Age
– Disability
– Gender reassignment
– Marriage and civil partnership
– Pregnancy and maternity
– Race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin)
– Religion or belief
– Sex
– Sexual orientation

We are committed to meeting the Public Sector Equality Duty principles where applicable in partnership delivery.

4. Inclusion in Nature-Based and Therapeutic Settings

As a rural, land-based organisation delivering outdoor and nature-connected activities, we recognise that inclusion requires proactive planning.

We commit to:
– Assessing physical accessibility of outdoor spaces and clearly communicating any terrain limitations.
– Offering reasonable adjustments where possible (e.g., adapted seating, flexible participation options, alternative activities).
– Providing clear pre-visit information to reduce anxiety and support neurodiverse participants.
– Ensuring therapeutic and group processes are trauma-informed and culturally sensitive.
– Creating emotionally safe spaces where participants can express themselves without fear of judgement.
– Considering financial accessibility through tiered pricing, funded places or bursaries where possible.

5. Rural Wiltshire Inclusion & Accessibility Statement

We recognise that delivering services in rural Wiltshire presents both opportunities and barriers to inclusion.

We therefore commit to:
– Providing clear travel guidance and car-sharing information where appropriate.
– Considering public transport limitations when scheduling sessions.
– Exploring outreach or partnership delivery in community venues when access to our site may be a barrier.
– Ensuring digital communication is accessible and clear.
– Working collaboratively with local partners to reach underserved or isolated communities.

We will continuously review access to ensure rurality does not create unnecessary exclusion.

6. Recruitment and Governance

We are committed to fair, transparent and inclusive recruitment and volunteer processes.

We will:
– Advertise roles openly where possible.
– Use objective selection criteria.
– Make reasonable adjustments during recruitment.
– Encourage applications from underrepresented groups.
– Promote diversity within governance and leadership structures.

7. Partnership Standards (Including NHS and Funders)

When working with NHS bodies, local authorities or other funded programmes, we commit to:
– Embedding equality impact awareness in programme design.
– Collecting appropriate demographic data (where consented) to monitor reach and equity.
– Demonstrating continuous improvement in inclusive practice.
– Aligning with safeguarding, data protection and anti-discrimination standards required by partners.
– Reporting transparently on access, engagement and outcomes.

8. Responsibilities

Board of Directors:
– Ensure compliance with equality legislation.
– Monitor policy implementation and review annually.

Staff and Volunteers:
– Treat all individuals with dignity and respect.
– Actively promote inclusive practice.
– Challenge discriminatory behaviour.
– Report concerns appropriately.

Participants and Partners:
– Are expected to uphold principles of respect and inclusion during all activities.

9. Addressing Concerns

Concerns relating to discrimination, harassment or exclusion should be raised with a Director of the CIC.

Complaints will be handled promptly, sensitively and fairly, in line with our Complaints and Safeguarding Policies.

Appropriate action will be taken where behaviour falls short of our standards.

10. Monitoring and Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if legislation or partnership requirements change.

We are committed to continuous learning, reflective practice and improvement in equality, diversity and inclusion.