Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity Policy

About this policy

Responsible: the Directors of the UK Reiki Federation

Applies to: Directors, Ambassadors, employees, volunteers and members

Last revised: November 2026

Review: annually

1. Who this policy covers

This policy applies to everyone who acts for or belongs to the UK Reiki Federation: our Directors, Ambassadors, employees, volunteers and members in every category of membership.

It covers how we treat each other, and how we treat people applying for membership, employment or a volunteer role, people attending our events and courses, and members of the public who contact us or use our services.

2. The law

In England, Scotland and Wales the Equality Act 2010 protects people from discrimination, harassment and victimisation because of nine protected characteristics:

• age
• disability
• gender reassignment
• marriage and civil partnership
• pregnancy and maternity
• race, including colour, nationality and ethnic or national origin
• religion or belief
• sex
• sexual orientation

The Act applies to the UK Reiki Federation as an employer, as a provider of services to the public, and as a membership association. Northern Ireland has its own equality legislation, and we apply the same standards to our members and activities there.

3. Our wider commitment

Our commitment goes further than the law requires. The UKRF will not provide, and does not advocate, less favourable treatment because of any protected characteristic, or because of a person’s caring responsibilities, family situation, gender identity, gender expression, socio-economic background or the effects of the menopause.

4. What we will not tolerate

• Direct discrimination: treating someone less favourably because of a protected characteristic, including one they are wrongly thought to have or that belongs to someone they are associated with.
• Indirect discrimination: applying a rule, policy or practice to everyone that puts people who share a protected characteristic at a particular disadvantage, unless it can be objectively justified.
• Harassment: unwanted conduct related to a protected characteristic, or unwanted conduct of a sexual nature, that violates a person’s dignity or creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for them.
• Victimisation: treating someone badly because they have raised, supported or might raise a concern or complaint about discrimination or harassment.
• Discrimination arising from disability: treating a disabled person unfavourably because of something connected with their disability, unless it can be objectively justified.
• Failing to make reasonable adjustments for disabled people.
• Bullying and intimidation of any kind.

5. Our commitments

The UK Reiki Federation will:

• select people for employment, promotion, training, volunteer roles or any other benefit on the basis of aptitude and ability;
• give everyone help and encouragement to develop their full potential and use their unique talents;
• create an environment in which individual differences and contributions are recognised and valued, and which promotes dignity and respect for every person;
• make reasonable adjustments so that disabled people can take part in our membership, events, training, employment and volunteering;
• take all reasonable steps to prevent harassment, including sexual harassment, of our employees and volunteers, whether by colleagues, members or third parties;
• not tolerate any form of discrimination, harassment, victimisation, intimidation or bullying, and act against those who breach this policy;
• review our membership, employment and volunteering practices and procedures regularly so that fairness is maintained;
• make sure that Directors, Ambassadors, employees, volunteers and members know that this policy is in operation and that they are expected to comply with it;
• draw this policy to the attention of applicants, course providers and others we work with.

6. What we expect of everyone

The Terms and Conditions of Membership and the Code of Ethics and Professional Practice set out the conduct we expect. In keeping with them, we expect all Directors, Ambassadors, employees, volunteers and members to:

• make sure that every interaction with each other, with health professionals and with the public is respectful, courteous, honest and non-discriminatory;
• respect the religious, spiritual, political and social views of all individuals;
• treat everyone with dignity and respect, whatever their background or characteristics;
• speak up if they see or experience behaviour that breaches this policy.

7. Raising a concern

We take complaints of discrimination, harassment and victimisation very seriously. If you experience or witness behaviour that breaches this policy, please tell us by emailing [email protected].

We will:

• investigate the complaint, and give the person raising it the opportunity to speak about their experience in a safe environment;
• handle it in line with the UKRF Complaints Policy and Procedures;
• make sure that nobody is treated badly for raising a concern in good faith or for supporting someone who has.

8. If this policy is breached

A breach of this policy by an employee may be dealt with as a disciplinary matter. A breach by a member, volunteer, Ambassador or Director may be dealt with under the Terms and Conditions of Membership, the Complaints Policy and Procedures, and the Articles of Association, and may affect their membership or role.

9. Responsibility and review

The Directors of the UK Reiki Federation are responsible for this policy and for making sure it is followed. It is monitored and reviewed annually so that equality, diversity and inclusion continue to be promoted throughout the UKRF.