View source for Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Policy

=== Introduction ===
Wikimedia UK is committed to fostering an equitable, diverse, and inclusive environment within our community, our workforce, and our services. We recognise that achieving equity goes beyond equal treatment, it requires proactive efforts to identify and remove systemic barriers that prevent full participation. This policy affirms our commitment to ensuring fairness, dignity, and respect for all individuals (including staff, volunteers & Trustees), regardless of background, identity, or personal characteristics.  

==== Scope ====
The policy applies to all Wikimedia UK employees (including prospective employees), agency workers, contractors, Trustees and volunteers in terms of service provision. It is supported by an EDI Framework and Action Plan which encompasses  all aspects of Wikimedia UK’s operations. 

The policy adheres to the principles of the Equalities Act 2010 and other relevant UK legislation, covering the following protected characteristics::

* Age
* Disability
* Gender Reassignment
* Marriage and civil partnership
* Pregnancy and maternity
* Race
* Religion or belief
* Sex
* Sexual orientation

The policy applies across the range of employment policies and practice, including those relating to Discipline, Grievance, Harassment and Complaints.

=== Responsibilities ===
Wikimedia UK values its staff, contractors, workers, Trustees and volunteers, and expects them to be treated in a respectful manner and contribute to an inclusive culture. The Chief Executive is responsible for providing advice and guidance , and ensuring this Policy document is implemented, monitored and reviewed regularly.

==== Aims & Commitments ====
As part of its commitment to EDI, Wikimedia UK aims to:

* Advance equity by recognising and addressing systemic inequalities.
* Celebrate diversity by valuing and respecting differences within our workforce and community.
* Ensure inclusion by creating spaces where everyone can participate fully and meaningfully.
* Eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment, and victimisation under the Equality Act 2010.
* Promote accessibility in all Wikimedia UK projects, ensuring digital and physical inclusivity.
* Monitor progress through data collection and feedback mechanisms to assess impact and improve practices.

==== Anti-Discrimination & Harassment Measures ====
Wikimedia UK has a zero tolerance policy towards discriminatory language or actions that could create a hostile environment, and does not accept behaviour that amounts to harassment or exclusion of any individual. Wikimedia UK’s commits to preventing and addressing all forms of discrimination including: 

* Direct discrimination - where someone is treated less favourably than another because they have a protected characteristic
* Indirect discrimination – when a requirement or a condition is applied which has a detrimental effect on a particular group or individual. This applies even if there was not a deliberate intention to discriminate.
* Associative discrimination – direct discrimination against someone because they associate with another person on the grounds that they have a protected characteristic.
* Perceptive discrimination - direct discrimination against someone because others think they have a protected characteristic even if they do not possess that characteristic.
* Harassment – unwanted conduct related to a protected characteristic which violates a person’s dignity or creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for them. This applies even if the conduct is not directed at the individual or if they do not have the protected characteristic.
* Third party harassment – potential liability for the harassment of staff by others such as clients or volunteers.
* Victimisation – when someone is treated badly because they have made or supported a complaint under the Equalities Act or it is thought that they have done so.

=== Employment & Organisational Practices ===
Wikimedia UK is committed to equitable employment practices and will:

* Ensure fair and inclusive recruitment, selection, and promotion processes.
* Provide reasonable adjustments to accommodate employees and volunteers with disabilities.
* Support ongoing training and development in EDI for staff, Trustees, and volunteers.
* Enforce a zero-tolerance policy on discrimination, harassment, bullying, and victimisation.
* Regularly review employment policies to ensure alignment with best practices.

=== Wikimedia UK as Service Provider ===
In offering events or materials Wikimedia UK will seek to ensure equal access for everyone to our programmes: 

* Ensure that venues chosen for events or meetings are  as accessible as possible to all participants.
* Provide reasonable accommodations to ensure full participation in events and activities.
* Ensure that programmes and projects do not disproportionately disadvantage any group.
* Foster an inclusive Wikimedia UK community where all individuals feel respected and valued. 

=== Data Collection & Monitoring ===
Wikimedia UK complies with the requirements of the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and Data Protection Act 2018. Any data, either qualitative and or quantitative, required in order to monitor the requirements or the impact of the Equalities Act 2010, will be collected where it is reasonable, proportionate and practical to do so. Any such requirements will be notified to Wikimedia UK volunteers, participants, partners or prospective employees customers and will follow a common data format.

Review & Continuous Improvement

This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure it reflects current legislation, best practices, and Wikimedia UK’s evolving commitments to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Amendments will be made as necessary to strengthen our approach and accountability.


Wikimedia UK’s Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Policy 

Date Created: February 2012

Date Last Reviewed: June 2020

Date of this review: March 2025

Date for next Approval: March 2028