We want KingsGate Church Helston to be a place where everyone is welcomed, respected, and able to take part fully in church life. This policy sets out how we promote equality, celebrate diversity, and tackle discrimination in all we do.

 

This policy covers Sunday gatherings, small groups, prayer and pastoral ministry, youth and children’s work, courses, outreach, events, communications, hiring and volunteering, and use of our premises.

 

We are a Christian church and our values are rooted in loving God and loving people. We follow the Equality Act 2010 and other relevant UK laws. We will not unlawfully discriminate, harass, or victimise anyone.

 

We will not treat anyone unfairly because of any protected characteristic. These include:

• Age

• Disability

• Gender reassignment

• Marriage and civil partnership

• Pregnancy and maternity

• Race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin

• Religion or belief

• Sex

• Sexual orientation

 

We will:

• Welcome everyone and treat every person with dignity and kindness.

• Keep our activities as accessible as possible and make reasonable adjustments where needed.

• Use inclusive and clear language in print, online, and in person.

• Challenge discriminatory behaviour or language and address it quickly.

• Provide a safe environment that is free from bullying, harassment, and hate speech.

• Make fair and transparent decisions in recruitment and volunteering.

• Handle concerns and complaints properly and without bias.

• Protect personal data in line with data protection law.

• Review this policy each year and improve how we put it into practice.

 

We will take practical steps so people can access our buildings, activities, and information. This may include:

• Step-free access where possible and help with seating arrangements.

• Hearing assistance and space for mobility aids.

• Large print, plain English, and captioned or transcripted content where we can.

• Dietary considerations at events.

• Websites and digital content that aim to meet WCAG 2.2 AA.

Tell us what you need and we will work with you to find a sensible solution.

 

Pastoral and prayer teams will:

• Seek clear consent before praying for or supporting someone.

• Respect boundaries and avoid any form of pressure or coercion.

• Follow safeguarding and confidentiality guidance, while understanding when we must share concerns to keep people safe.

 

We take safeguarding seriously. Everyone who works with children, young people, or adults at risk must follow our Safeguarding Policy and complete the required checks and training. Where there is any conflict, safeguarding takes priority.

 

Everyone involved with KingsGate is expected to:

• Treat others with respect and listen well to different views.

• Avoid offensive, demeaning, or discriminatory behaviour.

• Use social media responsibly when representing or engaging with church life.
  Breaches may lead to action in line with our Complaints or Disciplinary procedures, or safeguarding procedures where relevant.

 

As a church we hold Christian beliefs and practices. The Equality Act 2010 allows faith organisations limited exemptions in specific circumstances, such as a genuine occupational requirement for certain posts. Any exemption will be used carefully, proportionately, and only where lawful. We will always treat people with dignity and respect, even where we hold different beliefs.

 

If you experience or witness discrimination, harassment, or victimisation, please tell us. You can:

• Speak to a ministry leader or the Safeguarding Lead, or

• Email the trustees at [insert church email].
  We will acknowledge your concern, look into it fairly, keep records, and explain the outcome as far as we are able to. If you are not satisfied, you can ask the trustees to review the decision.

 

We will collect only the personal information we need, use it lawfully, keep it secure, and retain it only as long as necessary. See our Privacy Notice for full details.