Equal Opportunities Policy

[RedHerring2]

Is there any possibility that the owners could formulate, publicise and police an Equal Opportunities Policy?

 

[Inky Pete]

What "opportunities" do you think the site provides which may be available unequally?

 

[RedHerring2]

GD forum springs to mind.

A simple statement that all will be treated equally and fairly shows a public commitment to that objective. It can certainly not do any harm.
Any complaint can be referred back to that policy to see whether it upholds, is in contrast to or is neutral to that policy.

I regularly play in amateur bands and even they have an Equal Opp's clause in their constitutions.

 

[^woody^]

The whole purpose of an EOP, is to give equity to certain defined groups of society - who would otherwise be disadvantaged

So what groups would such an EOP help, and how?

 

[RedHerring2]

The whole purpose of an EOP, is to give equity to certain defined groups of society - who would otherwise be disadvantaged

So what groups would such an EOP help, and how?

I disagree, woody, an EOP doesn't need to identify any disadvantaged groups It is merely a statement of fairness to all.
e.g.

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documents/equal-opps.pdf

http://www.companieshouse.gov.uk/careers/equalOppPolicy.shtml

http://www.aboutequalopportunities.co.uk/

Obviously the word 'customer' or 'employee' etc can easily be substituted with the word 'contributor'

It's not like it would be a difficult task to create an EOP. Most of it could be cribbed from other sites.
Most importantly it would be a public statement demonstrating a commitment.

A ready made model EOP, ready for cribbing:
http://www.equalityni.org/archive/pdf/FinalModelEqualOpp0307.pdf

 

[Spark123]

If it isn't broken, don't fix it

 

[RedHerring2]

I think it's cracking around the edges.

Further argument for an EOP

http://www.newbusiness.co.uk/articles/hrpayroll-advice/why-it-pays-have-equal-opportunities-policy

 

[Inky Pete]

Obviously the word 'customer' or 'employee' etc can easily be substituted with the word 'contributor'

Rubbish.

There's a fundamental difference between an employee or paying customer on the one hand and a voluntary contributor to one of many online forums on a particular subject on the other.

A paying customer or employee have a stake in the service, product, or job they are trying to access, and if they are for some reason prevented or obstructed from doing so they could under certain circumstances be viewed as being in some way "disadvantaged".

A voluntary contributor has no contractual relationship with a forum, is not paying to access the forum, and has an absolute right to f**k off elsewhere if they don't like what they see.

 

[RedHerring2]

They have [sic] an absolute right to f**k off elsewhere if they don't like what they see.

Exactly why businesses create an EOP that encompasses customers, contacts, etc, as well as employees.

 

[Trazor]

Not relevant for posters on a public forum whatsoever.

 

[RedHerring2]

For example, from the 1976 Race relations Act, I'm sure that it's much more stringent now. I can't access the 2010 information at the mo':

The RRA makes it unlawful to discriminate against a person, directly or indirectly on racial grounds, in the area of employment and in the provision of goods, facilities or services.

If the regular and repetitive racially abusive posts are allowed to continue, it could be argued that facilities or services are not being provided fairly.
The fact that posters or readers are volountary contributors surely makes no difference.

The Act explicitly refers to the provision of services and education, which it could be argued is the purpose of this site.
Also, I'm sure there is a responsibility of an organisation for the conduct of its volounteers, as well as its employees.

 

[Bahco]

I would think that the site small print would have a safety net to catch any minor infringements.

What is it you are trying to achieve from a DIY site anyway?

 

[RedHerring2]

I would think that the site small print would have a safety net to catch any minor infringements.

Yeah, you're right. This is it:
1) Abusive or unhelpful posts are not welcome. This is a friendly site and we ask that everyone is treated with respect! Abusive or unhelpful posts are not welcome on this site and are always removed! Keep it civil!

Do you think it's sufficient or that it is applied equally and fairly?

What is it you are trying to achieve from a DIY site anyway?

Maybe a little more stringent moderating, especially in the areas that posters may not bother to defend themselves against such abuse because either they've seen/heard it all before, or because they have come to the conclusion that this organisation is too institutionalised in its prejudices to bother trying to change it.
No doubt you've seen some of the cheap jibes and vitriolic accusations that are made when someone raises their objections against a number of posters who insist on contributing racist remarks.

 

[Inky Pete]

This site offers FREE advice.

The various race, gender, sexuality and disability discrimination acts only cover paid for or publicly funded products or services.

Anyone who takes umbridge at anything said on here - especially in the GD forum which doesn't even exist to meet the primary purpose of the site, namely the offering of DIY advice - can hardly be considered to have been "disadvantaged" in any way from accessing DIY advice. They have experienced nothing worse than they would if they overheard - and then tried to butt into - a conversation in a pub which they disagreed with.

 

[Bahco]

If you can be bothered to read it all HERE you will find that the site will be covered legally in its terms and conditions.

Still dont see what is bothering you. Please tell.