1. Policy Statement

Submariners United in Business CIC is committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion in all its activities. We believe that a diverse and inclusive community is stronger, more innovative and better equipped to support submariners in their transition to business careers.

We will not tolerate discrimination, harassment or victimisation in any form. This policy applies to all SUBS members, volunteers, directors, staff, contractors and event attendees.

2. Legal Framework

This policy is underpinned by the Equality Act 2010, which protects people from discrimination on the basis of the following protected characteristics:

Age
Disability
Gender reassignment
Marriage and civil partnership
Pregnancy and maternity
Race (including colour, nationality and ethnic origin)
Religion or belief
Sex
Sexual orientation

SUBS also recognises that people may face intersecting disadvantages and is committed to addressing these.

3. Our Commitments

SUBS commits to:

Treating all members of our community with dignity and respect
Providing equal access to all SUBS events, resources and opportunities
Actively promoting inclusion and welcoming people from all backgrounds within the submarine community and beyond
Taking complaints of discrimination or harassment seriously and investigating them promptly
Regularly reviewing our activities to ensure they are inclusive and accessible
Creating a safe environment where everyone feels able to participate fully

4. Responsibilities

4.1 Directors and Leadership

SUBS Directors are responsible for implementing this policy, modelling inclusive behaviour, and ensuring that complaints are taken seriously.

4.2 Members and Attendees

All members and event attendees are expected to behave in accordance with this policy and to challenge discriminatory behaviour where it is safe to do so.

5. Unacceptable Behaviour

The following behaviours are unacceptable within the SUBS community:

Direct or indirect discrimination on the basis of any protected characteristic
Harassment — unwanted conduct that violates a person's dignity or creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment
Victimisation — treating someone less favourably because they have made or supported a complaint
Bullying — offensive, intimidating, malicious or insulting behaviour involving an abuse of power
Hate speech or discriminatory language, whether spoken, written or online

6. Reporting and Enforcement

Anyone who believes they have experienced or witnessed discrimination, harassment or bullying should report this to SUBS using our Complaints Policy. All reports will be investigated promptly and in confidence.

Members found to have breached this policy may have their membership suspended or revoked. In serious cases, the matter may be referred to appropriate authorities.

7. Monitoring and Review

This policy will be reviewed annually by the SUBS Directors. We will monitor participation and feedback to identify and address any inequalities.

8. Contact

To report a concern or for queries about this policy, please visit: www.subs.org.uk/contact