Clear Answers. Real Help.

Local Support.

Trusted Help for Life, Work & Business.

We’re a not-for-profit organisation proudly serving the residents, business owners, and sole traders of Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre.

Our team of trained, experienced consultants are here to provide trusted information, practical advice, and clear guidance — all delivered with the highest standards of care and professionalism.

While we don’t offer legal or medical advice ourselves, we’ll always point you in the right direction — and when possible, refer you directly to the best agency, department, or specialist to help you efficiently and effectively.

Whether it’s personal, professional or financial, we’re here to help.

Diversity & Equality Policy

1 Purpose

Blackpool Advice ("we", "our", "us") is committed to treating every client, volunteer, staff member and partner with dignity and respect. This Policy sets out our basic standards to ensure that no one is treated less favourably because of who they are.

2 Legal Framework

We observe the Equality Act 2010 and all earlier UK anti‑discrimination laws. Under this legislation, it is unlawful to discriminate—directly or indirectly—on the grounds of:

Age

Disability

Gender (male or female)

Marital or civil‑partnership status

Pregnancy or maternity

Pace (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin)

Religion or belief

Sexual orientation

3 Our Commitments

Fair Access to Services

– Advice and grants are open to all eligible residents and businesses on equal terms.

Inclusive Workplace

– Recruitment, promotion, training and volunteer placements are based on merit, aptitude and ability.

Respectful Environment

– Harassment, bullying or discriminatory language is not tolerated on our premises or online channels.

Reasonable Adjustments

– We will make sensible changes—such as wheelchair access, large‑print materials or flexible appointment times—so that disabled people are not put at a disadvantage.

Clear Procedures

– Concerns about discrimination can be raised informally with a supervisor or formally through our Complaints Procedure (see Section 6).

4 Roles & Responsibilities

Trustees

Set overall direction and review compliance annually.

Management Team

Implement this Policy and allocate resources for training and adjustments.

Staff & Volunteers

Treat everyone fairly and report any breaches they witness or experience.

5. Training & Awareness

All new volunteers and staff receive an induction that covers basic equality law and expected standards of behaviour.

Refresher briefings are provided at least every two years.

6 Complaints & Grievances

Clients, staff or volunteers who feel they have been discriminated against should contact the Service Manager in writing or by email.

We aim to acknowledge complaints within 5 working days and conclude investigations within 28 days.

If the complainant is dissatisfied with the outcome, they may appeal to the Board of Trustees whose decision is final.

7. Monitoring & Review

Basic, anonymous statistics (e.g. gender and age profile of staff) are reviewed annually to spot any unintended bias.

This Policy is reviewed every three years or sooner if the law changes.

8 Breaches of Policy

Any employee or volunteer found to have breached this Policy may face disciplinary action up to and including dismissal. Serious breaches by service users may result in withdrawal of services.

Approved by the Board of Trustees on 12 June 2025.