Statement of equality, diversity & accessibility

West Mercia Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre (WMRSASC) is committed to promoting equality, diversity, and accessibility for all staff, volunteers, and clients. We recognise that discrimination and lack of opportunity can arise from a range of protected characteristics as defined by the Equality Act 2010: age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, and pregnancy and maternity.

WMRSASC provides support to clients with any gender identity.  In accordance with the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9 (occupational requirements) and Schedule 3 (single-sex services), we lawfully restrict certain roles and services to women, where this is a proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim. Following the Supreme Court ruling (April 2025), “sex” in the Act refers to biological sex, and our women-only spaces and roles are reserved for biological females. Differential treatment for pregnant women is also permitted for their protection. Anyone accessing our services who is not biologically female has access to the same services as women outside of the women-only times.

We also comply with the Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Act 2023, which strengthens protection against sexual harassment in the workplace.

We strive to make our services accessible to all, removing barriers and facilitating inclusion. WMRSASC regularly reviews its policies and practices, seeking feedback from service users and staff, and works in partnership with other organisations to promote equality and share best practice.

Reasonable adjustments are made for those who require additional support including outreach support, travel expenses, choice of worker gender, remote support options, communication in other languages, and inclusive recruitment and training. Any other reasonable adjustments will be considered on a case-by-case basis to enable clients to access our services and support staff in their work.

We are committed to supporting all Trustees, employees, and volunteers in upholding this Statement. Where concerns arise, these will be addressed through appropriate organisational policies and processes.