Equal Treatment Policy
TechStart Programme 2025–2026
1. Policy Overview
CS-GB CIC is committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of its operations and events within the TechStart Programme 2025-2026. This policy outlines our commitment to ensuring that all individuals are treated fairly and with respect, regardless of their background, identity, or circumstances.
The TechStart Programme will involve influential figures from legal, corporate, and charitable sectors from the UK and globally. CS-GB CIC will foster an environment which is sensitive to, and recognises, different backgrounds and experiences that will generate rich discussion, debate and tangible, data-driven outcomes.
We are committed to being a fair and inclusive organisation. To achieve this there are policies and procedures to ensure that the TechStart Programme 2025-2026 is curated to deliver events that are transparent, equitable and ethical in their objectives and desired outcomes.
CS-GB CIC shall at all times strive to work within legislative requirements as well as promote equal treatment best practices. This policy applies to all of CS-GB CIC’s Directors and External Advisors providing services such as research, PR and communications, and consultancy services.
This policy aims to ensure that if inappropriate and unacceptable behaviour does occur, it will be dealt with in a serious, sensitive and confidential manner so that the matter can be resolved as quickly as possible for all concerned.
2. Scope of the Policy
This policy applies to all speakers, panelists, volunteers and attendees participating in the TechStart Programme, as well as Sponsors. We are committed to ensuring that all our attendees have an equal, supportive and psychologically safe environment in which to achieve successful learning.
CS-GB CIC recognises that all stakeholders of the TechStart Programme 2025-2026 have a right to work in an environment in which the dignity of all is respected and which is free from harassment and bullying. It is committed to preventing and eliminating intimidation in any form.
In order to promote and maintain equality of opportunity and to eliminate discrimination, CS-GB CIC ensures that:
• All colleagues, external advisors, sponsors, volunteers, supporters, keynote speakers and panelists, and attendees (“stakeholders”) are treated fairly and with respect.
• All stakeholders of the TechStart Programme have the right to work and learn in an environment free from discrimination.
• Harassment, victimisation bullying or any other form of unwanted behaviour will not be tolerated.
• No one is disadvantaged by conditions, requirements or practices which cannot be shown to be justifiable.
• All stakeholders have an equal chance to contribute and achieve their potential.
• Information will be provided as necessary to all stakeholders to make sure that discrimination, harassment, victimisation and bullying are avoided, and that the provisions of this policy are fully complied with.
3. Harassment and Bullying
Harassment and bullying of any kind will not be tolerated. No CS-GB CIC colleague or potential colleague is treated less favourably on the grounds of their disability, race, colour, religion or belief, nationality, ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender re-assignment, pregnancy, age, marital or civil partner status, employment status or membership or non-membership of a trade union.
Bullying is unwanted behaviour from a person or group that is one of the following:
• Offensive, intimidating, malicious or insulting.
• An abuse or misuse of power that undermines, humiliates or causes physical or emotional harm.
Bullying can take many different forms. Examples of bullying behaviour include:
• Spreading malicious rumours about someone.
• Consistently putting someone down and undermining them.
• Bullying could involve a pattern of behaviour or one-off incident. It could happen face-to-face, online, by phone or in writing. It can be verbal and non-verbal. It is not always obvious to others.
• When bullying or unwanted behaviour is about certain protected characteristics under discrimination law, then CS-GB CIC refers to this as ‘harassment’. The protected characteristics which apply are:
• Sex.
• Sexual orientation.
• Race.
• Religion or belief.
• Gender reassignment.
• Age.
• Disability.
Discrimination law also recognises sexual harassment as something separate to sex (i.e. female or male) harassment. Sexual harassment occurs when someone is subjected to unwanted conduct of a sexual nature or when a person is treated less favourably because they have accepted or rejected unwanted conduct of a sexual nature.
Behaviour can still be harassment even if the person being harassed does not complain or asks for it to stop. Behaviour that creates a hostile, humiliating, degrading or similarly offensive environment in relation to a protected characteristic is harassment.
4. Disciplinary Measures
Any breach of this policy may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment or contract. Each case will be investigated thoroughly and fairly.
5. Disciplinary and Grievance
Disciplinary and grievance procedures will be applied fairly and consistently, with respect for all parties involved. CS-GB CIC will take very seriously any incidents or reports of any acts of unlawful discrimination, harassment or bullying being committed that are associated with the TechStart Programme of events and will take decisive action.
6. Responsibilities of Directors
Directors are responsible for promoting a culture of respect and inclusion, and for addressing any breaches of this policy promptly.
7. Responsibilities of everyone
All individuals are expected to treat each other with respect and to uphold the principles of this policy in their daily work.
8. Reporting and Handling Complaints of Discrimination, Harassment, and Bullying
Complaints will be taken seriously and handled confidentially. Individuals are encouraged to report any concerns without fear of retaliation. If anyone experiences or witnesses discrimination, please report it as soon as possible to a CS-GB CIC Director or any of the Committee members where it will be dealt with and taken seriously.
Please see further information in the CS-GB CIC Complaints Policy.
9. Communication
This policy will be made available to all Sponsors, Keynote speakers, Panelists, Volunteers and Supporters.