Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Policy

Moore Than Arthritis believes that arthritis does not discriminate — and neither do we. Our community is open to everyone affected by arthritis, regardless of age, disability, gender, gender identity or expression, marriage and civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

These are the nine protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010, and we are committed to upholding them in everything we do.

This policy applies to all members of the Moore Than Arthritis community, all volunteers and moderators, and anyone acting on our behalf. It covers our website, community forums, social media channels, events, and all other activities.

Equality means ensuring that every person has an equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from our community, and that no one is disadvantaged because of who they are.

Diversity means recognising, respecting, and valuing the differences between people — including differences in background, experience, identity, and perspective.

Inclusion means creating an environment where everyone feels welcome, valued, and able to participate fully.

We commit to:

• Welcoming members from all backgrounds and walks of life
• Representing the diversity of the arthritis community in our content and communications
• Using inclusive, accessible language in all our materials
• Actively challenging discrimination, prejudice, and stereotyping within our community
• Ensuring our website meets accessibility standards (see our Accessibility Statement)
• Listening to and acting on feedback from underrepresented members
• Reviewing our practices regularly to identify and address any inequalities

The following conduct is strictly prohibited within our community:

• Direct discrimination: Treating someone less favourably because of a protected characteristic
• Indirect discrimination: Applying a policy or practice that disadvantages people with a protected characteristic
• Harassment: Unwanted conduct related to a protected characteristic that violates a person's dignity or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment
• Victimisation: Treating someone unfairly because they have raised a concern about discrimination

Any member found to be engaging in discriminatory conduct will be removed from the community.

We recognise that people can experience multiple, overlapping forms of disadvantage. For example, a young Black woman with arthritis may face challenges related to her age, race, and gender simultaneously. We are committed to understanding and addressing these intersecting inequalities.

If you believe you have experienced or witnessed discrimination, harassment, or any other breach of this policy within our community, please contact us:

• Email: [email protected] — Subject: "EDI Concern"

All concerns will be treated seriously, investigated promptly, and handled with confidentiality. You will not be penalised for raising a concern in good faith.

This policy will be reviewed annually. We are committed to continuous improvement in our equality, diversity, and inclusion practices. The current version was adopted in January 2026.