The Co-operative Development Society Ltd (trading as CDS Co-operatives) recognises that groups and individuals have suffered, and continue to suffer from discrimination that is direct [whether intentional or unintentional], indirect and institutionalised.

We recognise the need for equality of opportunity and the management of diversity in all aspects of our operations including the provision of housing and employment. It is our intention to ensure that nobody receives less favourable treatment from us or agents acting on our behalf on the grounds of gender, race, colour, ethnic or national origin, marital status, responsibility for dependants, sexual orientation, disability, age, gender reassignment, social status, political, cultural or religious beliefs.

The above is a short extract from our equality and diversity policy. We also have an equality and diversity strategy.

In implementing our commitment to equality and diversity, we shall:

• comply with legislation and take account of guidance on best practice from the Tenants Services Authority, the Equality and Human Rights Commission and the Audit Commission and their Key Lines of Enquiry.
• produce an annual equality and diversity action plan which will set out our priorities and targets for the coming year.
• ensure our that we carry out recruitment of staff in a manner that fulfils our commitment to equality and diversity.
• provide training to staff, client co-operatives and board members on equality and diversity issues.
• monitor relevant areas of our service to ensure that we treat people fairly.
• ensure that all property is let in accordance with the Society’s, or independent co-operative’s allocations policy.
• ensure that contractors who work on our behalf are aware of our policy and keep to it.

Information for existing residents

In order to ensure that we meet our commitment to equality and diversity as set out in our policies, we need to be aware if you have any particular communication requirements or other special needs.   If you have not already done so, we would encourage you to complete our communication and special needs survey, which can be downloaded here 

• We will not tolerate harassment of residents or staff.  We have policies in place for dealing with domestic violence and racial and other forms of harassment. If you are facing domestic violence or harassment, please contact our helpdesk and ask to speak to your co-operative support officer.   You can download our policies on harassment here  
• If you contact us by phone we can access the services of language line to provide translation if required;
• If no-one in your household can understand written English, we can provide a translation of key documentation on request.
• Our offices are equipped with a portable induction loop to assist the hard of hearing and officers can bring a portable induction unit to co-op meetings if notified in advance that it is required.
• We will provide written communication in large print for people with visual impairments who request it in advance.
• We can provide key documents in audio or Braille formats if required.
• We will carry out minor adaptations to CDS properties without delay and more significant adaptations when recommended by occupational therapists.