Equality, Equity & Inclusion Policy — Carl Argent Counselling and Coaching

1. Statement of Intent

My practice is committed to creating a safe, therapeutic environment where all individuals are respected, valued, and treated with dignity. I aim to provide a service that is free from discrimination and prejudice, and which actively promotes equality of opportunity and access.

I recognise that “treating everyone the same” (Equality) is not enough. I am committed to Equity, recognizing that different people have different needs and starting points, and that adjustments may be required to ensure true fairness and accessibility.

2. Legal Framework

This policy acts in accordance with the Equality Act 2010, which protects individuals from discrimination based on the following nine protected characteristics:

• Age
• Disability
• Gender Reassignment
• Marriage and Civil Partnership
• Pregnancy and Maternity
• Race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin)
• Religion or Belief
• Sex
• Sexual Orientation

3. Equity vs Equality: My Approach

To ensure my practice is truly inclusive, I distinguish between these two concepts:

• Equality: Ensuring that no client is treated less favourably or discriminated against because of who they are.
• Equity: Recognising that barriers exist for some groups and taking active steps to level the playing field.

• Example: Offering a sliding scale fee for those on lower incomes, or offering different communication formats for neurodivergent clients, is an equitable approach, ensuring everyone can access the same quality of therapy despite their differing circumstances.

4. My Responsibilities

As a practitioner, I commit to:

• Anti-Oppressive Practice: I actively reflect on my own biases and the power dynamics inherent in the therapy room. I strive to work in a way that empowers clients rather than reinforcing societal oppressions.
• Accessibility & Adjustments: I will make reasonable adjustments to accommodate clients with disabilities or specific needs (e.g. adapting communication styles, or allowing support animals).
• Continuous Learning: I engage in regular CPD (Continuing Professional Development) to educate myself on issues of diversity, systemic racism, gender identity, and neurodiversity.
• Challenging Discrimination: I will not tolerate discriminatory behaviour. If I witness or hear prejudice (even from a client), I will address it therapeutically and ethically, maintaining boundaries while exploring the impact of such views.

5. Client Responsibilities

I ask that clients also respect these values. Discrimination or harassment directed toward me (the therapist) or other visitors to the practice will not be tolerated and may result in the termination of the therapeutic contract.

6. Complaints & Breaches

If you feel that I have failed to adhere to this policy, or if you have experienced discrimination within my practice:

• Raise it: I encourage you to bring this to my attention within a session so we can discuss it openly.
• Formal Complaint: You can contact my professional body, the BACP, for guidance about concerns or making a complaint. You do not have to raise your concern with me first. See BACP guidance and support.