ICB'S EQUALITY, DIVERSITY & INCLUSION (EDI) POLICY
Our Commitment
International Canine Behaviourists (ICB) is committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion within our community and the wider canine behaviour field. We believe that a diverse membership and inclusive environment enrich our collective knowledge, enhance our understanding, and empower us to make more significant contributions to the wellbeing of dogs and the people who live and work with them.
Purpose
This policy outlines our commitment to building an equitable, diverse, and inclusive organisation where all members, staff, and stakeholders feel valued, respected, and supported. It applies to all aspects of our operations, including membership, governance, employment, and service provision.
Principles
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Equality: We are committed to ensuring equal opportunities and removing barriers to participation in our association, irrespective of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.
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Diversity: We recognise and value the benefits that a diverse range of backgrounds, skills, and experiences brings to ICB. We are committed to fostering a culture that respects and celebrates these differences.
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Inclusion: We strive to create an environment where everyone feels welcome, respected, and included. We believe that everyone has the right to be treated with dignity and respect and to be provided with the opportunity to contribute to our organisation’s success.
Implementation
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Leadership and Accountability: Our leadership team is responsible for implementing this policy, setting objectives for EDI, and monitoring our progress. All members and employees are expected to uphold the principles of this policy and contribute to an inclusive culture.
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Awareness: We will provide resources to ensure our members understand the importance of EDI and how to contribute to an inclusive environment.
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Recruitment and Membership: We are committed to fair and transparent processes for recruitment, selection, and membership, ensuring that opportunities are open to all.
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Accessibility: We will take proactive steps to ensure our events, resources, and communications are accessible to the widest possible audience, considering physical, digital, and language accessibility.
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Feedback and Continuous Improvement: We welcome feedback on ICB's EDI efforts and are committed to continuous learning and improvement. We will regularly review our policies and practices to ensure they meet our EDI objectives.
Reporting and Resolution
We encourage the reporting of any behavior that contradicts our EDI policy. All reports will be treated with seriousness, confidentiality, and sensitivity. We are committed to taking appropriate action to address any issues and prevent their recurrence.
Review
This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure it remains relevant, effective, and aligned with our organisation’s goals and values.