Victoria Orr Coaching Limited is a limited company in which I, Victoria Orr, am the only employee and director. I have no intention of hiring any employees at this time or in the near future. Nevertheless, the services I provide place me in positions of trust and confidentiality with both individuals and large groups. Consequently, this policy outlines the definitions, objectives, and practices pertaining to equality, inclusion, and diversity.

Definitions

Because the terms “diversity and inclusion” are frequently used in tandem, it’s easy to assume they have the same meaning. However, diversity and inclusion are distinct concepts that cannot be substituted for one another. It is possible for an environment to be both diverse and exclusive. In contrast, there are numerous inclusive workplaces that lack diversity, which can be detrimental to corporate culture. Inclusion, diversity, and equality are different concepts.

Inclusion entails fostering an environment in which all individuals, regardless of noticeable or tacit differences, feel welcome and valued. This means that no individual is intentionally or unintentionally denied access to coaching, opportunities, or any other treatment based on their unique characteristics.  Creating an inclusive environment requires thought, consideration and intent. Inclusion is an emotion, influenced by mindset: inclusion is affected when people feel respected, valued, trusted, safe, have a sense of belonging, and are able to present their authentic selves.

Diversity is difference, more specifically, the characteristics, experiences, and other distinctions that make one person different from another. Our differences include but are not limited to; abilities, age, appearance, career, clothes, culture, disability, education, ethnicity, experience, gender, health, interests, marital status, nationality, parental status, philosophy, political views, religion, sexual identity, socioeconomic background, thought processes, and work experience. Our differences are what makes us unique.

Equality is treating everyone equally well, this means ensuring that every individual has an equal opportunity to make the most of their lives and talents. In practice this means that I am committed to recognising and removing the barriers faced by people involved, or wanting to be involved in coaching.  Treating everyone equally well requires us to respond to people, having regard to their difference, not regardless of their differences.

Vision

My vision at Victoria Orr Coaching Ltd is that every client, whether an individual client or a corporate client, feels respected, valued, trusted, safe, and has a sense of belonging.  I endeavour to present the best version of my authentic self and to do my best work for the benefit of society.

Practice

I am passionate about and wholeheartedly committed to the principles of diversity, equality and inclusion as outlined by the definitions above. In my role as a coach and consultant, I help clients to better understand the rationale for creating and maintaining inclusive communities and workplaces. I help clients understand why managing inclusion, confronting discrimination, promoting equal opportunity, and valuing diversity is key to living a wholesome, holistic life and helps to maintain inclusive communities and workplaces. I help clients better understand their role and place in society by reflecting on behaviours, challenging thinking, setting goals and exploring outcomes.

• I avoid knowingly discriminating, stereotyping or judging on any grounds
• I aim to challenge and address, in a supportive manner, any clients, service providers,or participants whose conduct I deem to be
• I monitor my spoken, written, and nonverbal language for unintentional discrimination.
• I participate in development activities, including CPD and Supervision that are likely to increase my self-awareness, particularly in regards to diversity, equality and inclusion.

Furthermore, as a member of the European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC) and The Association for Coaching, I support and adhere to their DEI policies which can be found here and here.