Sexual Orientation and Religious Discrimination

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The new rights on Sexual Orientation and Religious Discrimination came into force in December 2003.  There are a lot of misconceptions about the extent of the new rights.   Are people entitled to have all their religious holidays off work?  Are employers liable if their gay employees are teased by their colleagues?  Are employers liable for inappropriate remarks by their staff?   It is time to review existing employee benefits, policies and procedures to get everyone up to date.  Newly updated to take account of the soon to be enacted Civil Partnership Bill this programme looks towards the future and helps you to plan.

This one-day overview session is designed to help managers check their existing systems (against the latest statutory instruments and ACAS codes) and plan for change.  This session can also be 'stripped down' and run as a half-day updates programme dealing only with the new rights.

Course content

Diversity issues
Valuing varied input
the new approach: 'diversity' compared with 'equal opportunity'
Human Rights Act
Transsexuals
What is an orientation?
What is a religion or belief?
Grievance Procedures
Equal Opportunities/Diversity policies
Does this give new rights to time off?
Setting standards/dress codes
Behaviour
Performance management in a diverse environment
Forthcoming changes to discrimination - disability and age
Organisational risks - is it just money at stake?

Workshop Approach

Delegates should bring their own policies, procedures and staff handbook for discussion
Maximum open discussion

Who Should Attend

HR and senior managers responsible for setting policy, line managers responsible for discipline and grievance issues.

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