Human Resources Policy 

Pride Space CIC 

1. Purpose 

This policy outlines how Pride Space CIC manages its people in a way that is aligned with our values of inclusion, dignity, and emotional safety. As a Community Interest Company providing LGBTQ+-affirming mental health support, we are committed to cultivating a working culture that reflects our core principles: equality, compassion, anti-oppression, and collective care. 

2. Scope 

This policy applies to all employees, volunteer practitioners, student counsellors on placement, contractors, supervisors, and board members involved in the operations and delivery of services at Pride Space CIC. 

3. Our Ethos and Commitments 

  • To centre LGBTQ+ lives, needs, and experiences in all aspects of our work. 
  • To uphold anti-racist, anti-ableist, trans-affirming, and trauma-informed practices. 
  • To maintain an emotionally safe, reflective, and supportive environment for all staff and volunteers. 
  • To ensure transparent, fair, and collaborative HR processes that honour the relational nature of our work. 

4. Recruitment and Selection 

We are committed to equitable recruitment that reflects the communities we serve. 

  • We actively encourage applications from LGBTQ+ people, people of colour, disabled and neurodivergent people, and others from marginalised backgrounds. 
  • Role descriptions are reviewed for inclusive language and accessibility. 
  • Shortlisting and interviews are conducted with attention to bias awareness and psychological safety. 
  • All roles are subject to clear safeguarding and confidentiality requirements. 

5. Induction and Belonging 

All new joiners are welcomed into Pride Space CIC with an orientation that includes: 

  • Our values and working culture 
  • Safeguarding and ethical framework 
  • Clinical, administrative, and reflective practices 
  • Policies on confidentiality, inclusion, and data protection 
  • Opportunities to reflect on identity, power, and positionality in practice 

6. Supervision, Support, and Development 

  • All clinical practitioners (trainees and qualified) are offered regular clinical supervision. 
  • We provide reflective spaces and peer support opportunities. 
  • Ongoing CPD is encouraged, and we aim to support professional development aligned with our mission and capacity. 
  • Mentorship and informal support are part of our culture of care. 

7. Health, Safety, and Wellbeing 

  • Pride Space CIC fosters a culture of psychological and emotional safety. 
  • We recognise the emotional labour of therapeutic work, particularly within marginalised communities. 
  • We offer flexible working arrangements where possible and reasonable adjustments for accessibility. 
  • Staff wellbeing is prioritised through dialogue, rest practices, and mutual care. 

8. Equality, Diversity, Inclusion, and Justice 

We are explicitly committed to social justice in our clinical, organisational, and community work. 

  • We expect all staff to respect and affirm the identities of others across gender, sexuality, race, class, disability, neurotype, and culture. 
  • Discriminatory behaviour, whether explicit or unconscious, will be addressed respectfully and directly. 
  • Pronouns, names, and self-identifications are respected at all times. 

9. Conduct and Accountability 

  • Staff are expected to work in alignment with our Code of Ethics and the ethical standards of their relevant professional body (e.g., BACP). 
  • Challenges are approached relationally, with reflection and repair prioritised. 
  • Formal performance concerns are addressed through our Disciplinary Policy. 

10. Grievances and Complaints 

  • All individuals at Pride Space CIC have the right to raise concerns without fear of retaliation. 
  • Complaints are handled sensitively, with a focus on restoring trust where possible. 
  • We aim to hold discomfort with care and engage with accountability as a collective practice. 

11. Confidentiality and Data Protection 

  • Client and staff confidentiality are taken seriously and handled in accordance with GDPR. 
  • Any breach of confidentiality is managed promptly, ethically, and with transparency. 
  • Staff are expected to store and share data securely. 

12. Policy Review 

This policy is reviewed annually, or sooner in response to changes in law, structure, or community feedback. 

 The review process will include consultation with staff and volunteers where possible. 

Approved by: Jake Hook 

 Date: 16th July 2025 

 Next Review: 15th July 2026