Culturally Diverse Peoples Policy  

Insofar as the rights of culturally diverse people who are, or will be, part of the practice as an employee, reference should be made to the practice’s Equal Opportunities Policy.  

Insofar as a policy for culturally diverse peoples as it relates to practice matters is concerned, the practice policy is determined, from time to time, by the Head of Practice.  

The practice’s Marketing and Educational Plans identify a number of areas where targeting culturally diverse people can significantly enhance the practice’s work and which will lead to an increase in the involvement of these people.  The practice is committed to continuing with outreach and marketing initiatives which help to integrate all members of society.  

Access Policy  

The practice offices are accessible to most people with a disability with parking immediately adjacent to the practice and level access.  There are also full toilet facilities for disabled persons on the ground floor of the practice.  Colour schemes aid a person with visual impairments and doors are glass allowing through vision to all.  

The practice aims to give information concerning access for people with different disabilities on practice literature and will provide large print notes on request.  Where a patient access problem is identified, the practice aims to temporarily overcome the difficulty for their visit and will notify the appropriate person as to the problem.  

Where mobility problems suffered by patients or staff in activities have been noted, steps are to be taken to assist these people with access.  Teachers and participants in educational and community projects are encouraged to give details of any special needs in the planning stages, allowing adequate facilities to be found to allow full participation.

Disabled Representation within the Practice Policy  

By reason of the number of employees, the practice is subject to the mandatory requirements set out by statute as to the employment of a proportion of people with disabilities by the practice.  The practice has adopted an Equal Opportunities Policy which is aimed at eliminating discrimination against disabled persons and is applied as and when a disabled person applies for employment.  

With practice offices which allow people with disabilities to attend appointments and meetings and other events, there is no physical barrier to prevent people with disabilities from becoming a patient, colleague or advisor.  When considered advisable, the practice will consult with appropriate groups or individuals over disability issues. 

Organisational Training Policy  

The Company has more than five employees and as a consequence does have a formal in-house training programme.  However employees may request up to five days paid leave of absence each calendar year to attend short (one or two day) courses to develop existing skills and acquire new skills and knowledge which are relevant and beneficial to the activities undertaken by the Company.

The Head of Practice will identify training needs throughout the year through discussion with Members and staff.  Although it is likely that staff will require more skills training than musicians, it may be appropriate to invite musicians to attend courses in workshop skills, equal opportunities and disability awareness.

Colleagues and other staff will set aside time to pass on skills to other members and where courses are attended, information and skills acquired will be communicated to other members of staff through informal discussions, circulation of information, or working together on projects.