Equality and diversity policy

At Women’s Work Matters I am committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion in every aspect of my work as a consultant psychologist. I specialise in supporting women with chronic functional physical and neurological disorders, and my practice is guided by principles that ensure everyone is treated with dignity and respect. This Equality and Diversity Policy outlines my commitment to creating a safe, inclusive environment for all clients, partners and anyone who interacts with my services.

Commitment to Equality

I believe that everyone deserves equal access to psychological support, regardless of background or identity. I am committed to providing services that are accessible, equitable, and tailored to the diverse needs of each individual. This includes recognising and addressing the unique challenges faced by women with chronic conditions, as well as considering other factors such as age, race, sexual orientation, disability, religion and socio-economic status.

Promoting Diversity

I value the rich diversity of the communities I serve and actively seek to create an inclusive environment that embraces different perspectives and experiences. In my practice, I encourage open discussions about diverse needs and preferences to ensure that everyone feels heard and supported. This extends to my ongoing professional development, where I continuously learn about different cultural and social perspectives to better serve my clients.

Inclusive Practices

In my work, I aim to:

• Respect individual differences: I recognise and respect the different backgrounds, cultures and identities of my clients and integrate these considerations into treatment plans.
• Provide accessible services: I offer consultations in various formats, including online, to accommodate those with physical disabilities, mobility issues or other limitations.
• Offer culturally sensitive care: My approach is informed by an awareness of cultural factors that may impact an individual’s experience of chronic conditions and psychological support.

Tackling Discrimination

I have a zero-tolerance policy for discrimination, harassment, or victimisation of any kind. If you experience or witness any behaviour that does not align with my values of equality and inclusion, I encourage you to report it immediately. I am committed to addressing any concerns swiftly and fairly, in line with legal obligations and ethical standards.

Supporting Women in Leadership

In addition to my clinical work, I advocate for gender equality in leadership, helping women achieve their professional goals without fear or anxiety. This includes supporting leaders to create workplaces free from harassment and discrimination and promoting policies that recognise women’s unique health needs, such as maternity leave and menopause support.

Accessible Information and Communication

To ensure that my communications are accessible to all, I strive to:

• Use plain language in all written materials.
• Provide information in alternative formats upon request, such as large print or digital formats compatible with screen readers.
• Offer translation services for clients who prefer communication in a language other than English.
• Regular review and improvement.

I am committed to regularly reviewing and improving my equality and diversity practices. Feedback from clients and other stakeholders is always welcome and will be used to inform ongoing developments to better meet the needs of the communities I serve.

If you have any questions about this policy or wish to provide feedback, please get in touch with us. Together, we can work towards a more inclusive and supportive environment for everyone.