The Fourth Trimester Postpartum CIC [The Fourth CIC] is dedicated to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all individuals, including pregnant and postpartum families. We are committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion in our workplace and services, ensuring that everyone is treated with dignity and respect. Individuality, collaboration, and inclusion are at the heart of The Fourth Trimester Postpartum CIC’s culture, both as a workplace and a community.
The Fourth Trimester CIC’s founder and directors have trained in Unconscious bias, allyship and LGBTQ+ competency with The Queer Birth Club and The Other Box.
Our values
We are committed to being clear about our values at The Fourth. They relate to how we act, respond, and provide services for people. Simply put, they are:
Inclusivity - making sure all postpartum families are supported and included in our services and training.
Collaboration - we know that this is a collective endeavour, and we know we don’t have all the knowledge and answers.
Education - continually learning and growing, challenging our biases, and admitting when we could do better.
This policy applies to all employees, contractors, clients, and visitors associated with The Fourth CIC, recognising the unique needs of pregnant and postpartum families.
Our principles
Inclusive Services: The Fourth CIC is committed to providing inclusive and accessible services that meet the diverse needs of pregnant and postpartum families.
Cultural Sensitivity: We recognise and respect the cultural diversity of our clients and strive to provide services that are culturally sensitive and inclusive.
Equal Opportunities for Employees: The Fourth CIC is dedicated to providing equal opportunities for all employees, regardless of age, race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic.
Recruitment and Selection
All recruitment and selection processes will be conducted in a fair and unbiased manner, ensuring that potential employees understand and support the unique needs of pregnant and postpartum families.
Job advertisements and descriptions will be crafted to actively encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds, reflecting the inclusive nature of our services.
Training and Development
The Fourth CIC will provide training and development opportunities for employees to enhance their understanding of the unique needs of pregnant and postpartum families.
Training programs will address cultural competence, inclusivity, and sensitivity to the physical and emotional experiences of pregnant and postpartum individuals.
Client-Centred Approach
Our services will be delivered with a client-centered approach, recognizing and respecting the individual choices, backgrounds, and preferences of pregnant and postpartum families.
Communication with clients will be clear, respectful, and considerate of the diverse backgrounds and circumstances of our clientele.
Flexibility in Service Delivery
The Fourth CIC recognises the varied needs of pregnant and postpartum families and will strive to offer flexible service options that accommodate diverse family structures and circumstances.
Harassment and Discrimination
Harassment or discrimination based on any protected characteristic, including pregnancy, will not be tolerated.
Employees are encouraged to report any incidents of harassment or discrimination promptly, and The Fourth CIC will investigate such complaints thoroughly and take appropriate action.
Monitoring and Evaluation
The Fourth CIC will regularly monitor and evaluate the inclusivity and effectiveness of our services through client feedback and other relevant metrics.
The policy will be reviewed periodically to ensure alignment with best practices and legal requirements.
Responsibilities
All employees have a responsibility to adhere to this policy, contribute to creating an inclusive environment, and prioritise the unique needs of pregnant and postpartum families.
Managers and supervisors are responsible for promoting inclusivity within their teams and addressing any issues promptly.
Reporting
Employees are encouraged to report any concerns related to discrimination, harassment, or service-related issues through the designated channels provided by The Fourth CIC. They can email thefourthcic@gmail.com. .
Review Date
This policy will be reviewed once a year to ensure its ongoing relevance and effectiveness in meeting the needs of pregnant and postpartum families.
Last reviewed : 9th March 2025
Next review: March 2026