Communities Empowerment Network CEN

Who we are

CEN’s overarching aim is to build a just and equal society in which all children and young people receive their entitlement to an appropriate, enlightened, and well-rounded education which provides them with a foundation to fulfil their potential; and make their contribution to an inclusive society.

Our culture and values

CEN believes that all children and young people, regardless of background are entitled to receive the full cycle of quality education - academic and developmental.

CEN believes that parents should be included as equal partners in all decisions pertinent to their child’s education.

CEN believes that children should be encouraged to have a voice regarding their own future.

CEN believes that every child is entitled to attend a good school in their community.

CEN believes that every school should be ‘capable of identifying and meeting the needs of every child, whatever their profile, so that everyone can be helped and guided to reach their full potential’.

Equality, diversity and inclusion policy

CEN HR policies ensure that there can be no discrimination, either direct, indirect or by association, directed at employees and volunteers (both current and future) as well as clients, covering the following protected characteristics pursuant to the Equalities Act 2010:-

·       age

·       gender reassignment

·       marriage or in a civil partnership

·       pregnancy

·       disability

·       race including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin

·       religion or belief

·       sex

·       sexual orientation

All policies set out within CEN’s HR policies abide by the provisions of the Equalities Act 2010.

It therefore follows that CEN ensures  that all job applicants, staff members, volunteers, clients and users of its services and other organisations with which it works are treated equally on the grounds of race, colour, ethnic or national origin, age, social class, gender, sexuality, marital status or caring responsibility, physical or mental disability, mental health, political or religious belief, HIV status or of any other factor irrelevant to the purpose in view.

CEN HR policies accept and abide by the existing equal opportunities legislation laid down in the Equal Pay Act 1970, Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, Race Relation Act 1976 as amended in year 2000, Sex Discrimination Act 1975, Disability Discrimination Act 1995 and the incorporation into English law of the European convention on Human Rights.

CEN considers that applying genuine occupational qualification (GOQ) will be unlikely, but if it is necessary CEN would contact the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) for further advice.

CEN follows the principle of positive action in ensuring that:-

·       its services are accessible, appropriate and delivered fairly;

·       the mix of its employees, volunteers and Management Committee reflects the British multi-ethnic community;

·       traditionally disadvantaged sections of the community are encouraged to participate in policy decisions about and the management of, the services it provides; and

·       its service users to honour similar equal opportunities principles.

CEN pays due regards to the objectives set out in the Public Sector Equality duty set out in section 149 of the Equalities Act 2010, as follows:

·       eliminate discrimination, harassment, victimisation and any other conduct that is prohibited by or under the Equality Act 2010;

·       advance equality of opportunity between persons who share a relevant protected characteristic and persons who do not share it;

·       foster good relations between persons who share a relevant protected characteristic and persons who do not share it.

Recruitment

CEN policy is to recruit people both for long-term permanent vacancies as well as for short-term assignments where appropriate, to include full-time and part-time working.  It does not offer employment on zero-hour contracts.  Recruitment is focused on hiring the most qualified and able person for each vacancy, sex, race, creed and disability). Wherever possible, existing employees will be invited to apply for promotion opportunities.

In accordance with CEN's equal opportunities policy, attempts will be made to accommodate the particular needs of any person with a disability within the meaning of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, at all stages of the recruitment process.