Equal Lives

Who we are

Equal Lives is a user-led Disability rights organisation based in Norfolk and Suffolk. 

We believe there should be nothing about us without us!

 

Our culture and values

We exist to support people of any age who face disabling barriers and we are dedicated to making their voices heard. We are a user led organisation (ULO), meaning we are led by people who access care and support services themselves - with a strong majority of our board identifying as Disabled.  

We believe in supporting people to empower themselves to live independent lives. We do this through valuable services including Information & Advice, Advocacy, Shopmobility and Campaigning. 

Our mission for Disabled people’s independence is why we work to the Social Model of Disability. Developed by Disabled people, this model is a progressive way of viewing the world and says that individuals are limited by barriers within society and not by their own impairments or differences. Our aim is to breakdown these disabling barriers and work with people to achieve the life they choose.

Equality, diversity and inclusion policy

Equal Lives is committed to providing a fair, inclusive and respectful workplace where everyone is treated with dignity and has equal opportunities to succeed. We actively oppose discrimination, harassment and victimisation and expect all staff, volunteers and managers to uphold these values. 

We promote fairness through inclusive recruitment practices, including guaranteed interviews for Disabled people and care leavers who meet the minimum criteria and reasonable adjustments throughout recruitment and employment.

We regularly monitor workforce diversity, compare this against local demographic data, and take action to remove barriers where under-representation is identified. We also maintain a transparent salary banding structure and clear procedures for reporting and addressing discrimination or harassment.