Equality and

Diversity

Statement

The Party is committed to being a successful, caring and welcoming place for all staff, officers, elected representatives, members and volunteers of The Conservative Party. We want to create a supportive and inclusive environment where all those in the Party can reach their full potential, without prejudice and discrimination. We are committed to a culture where respect and understanding is fostered, and the diversity of people's backgrounds and circumstances will be positively valued.

Equality of opportunity, valuing diversity and compliance within the law is to the benefit of all individuals in our Party. While specific responsibility for eliminating discrimination and providing equality of opportunity lies with Party Officials, individuals at all levels have a responsibility to treat others with dignity and respect.

The Party’s policies and the Party’s Code of Conduct aim to achieve equality by removing any potential discrimination whilst working towards its dedicated goal of actively encouraging and promoting equality and diversity across the Party. As part of our commitment, we will provide training and development to all CCHQ staff and Voluntary Party officers and the Party will do all it can to promote good practice in this area as far as is reasonably possible.

Discrimination means, according to the Equality Act 2010, treating a person less favourably than another because of a protected characteristic and includes victimising or harassing any other person because of race (including colour, ethnic or national origin, nationality, citizenship), sex, gender re-assignment, sexual orientation, marital or civil partnership status (in employment contexts), disability, age, religion or belief and pregnancy and maternity status.

The Party has since 2016 fully adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism. This is relevant on the question of discrimination on the grounds of race and religion or beliefs.