Last updated: 1st September 2022
Introduction
We are an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to equality of opportunity and to
providing a service and following practices which are free from unfair and unlawful discrimination.
The aim of this policy is to ensure that no person receives less favourable treatment on the grounds
of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race,
religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation, or is disadvantaged by conditions or requirements which
cannot be shown to be relevant to performance. It seeks also to ensure that no person is victimised
or subjected to any form of bullying or harassment.
The terms equality, inclusion, diversity and equity are at the heart of this policy. ‘Equality’ means
ensuring everyone has the same opportunities to fulfil their potential free from discrimination.
‘Inclusion’ means ensuring everyone feels comfortable to be themselves at work and feels the worth
of their contribution. ‘Diversity’ means the celebration of individual differences amongst the
workforce. ‘Equity’ means recognising barriers and that some groups are more advantaged than
others, and putting measures in place to eliminate these barriers, ensuring equal opportunities for
all. We will actively support diversity, equity and inclusion and ensure that our workforce is valued
and treated with dignity and respect. We want to encourage everyone in our business to reach their
potential.
We value people as individuals with diverse opinions, cultures, lifestyles and circumstances. This
policy covers all employees, officers, contractors, and it applies to all areas of employment including
recruitment, selection, training, deployment, career development, and promotion. These areas are
monitored and policies and practices are amended if necessary to ensure that no unfair or unlawful
discrimination, intentional, unintentional, direct or indirect, overt or latent exists.
All managers must set an appropriate standard of behaviour, lead by example and ensure that those
they manage adhere to the policy and promote our aims and objectives with regard to equal
opportunities. Managers will be given appropriate training on equal opportunities awareness and
equal opportunities recruitment and selection best practice.
The Managing Director has particular responsibility for implementing and monitoring the Equality
and diversity policy and, as part of this process, all personnel policies and procedures are
administered with the objective of promoting equality of opportunity and eliminating unfair or
unlawful discrimination.
All employees, workers or self-employed contractors whether part time, full time or temporary, will
be treated fairly and with respect. Selection for employment, promotion, training, or any other
benefit will be on the basis of aptitude and ability. All employees will be helped and encouraged to
develop their full potential and the talents and resources of the workforce will be fully utilised to
maximise the efficiency of the Company.
Equality of opportunity, valuing diversity and compliance with the law is to the benefit of all
individuals in our Company as it seeks to develop the skills and abilities of its people. While specific
responsibility for eliminating discrimination and providing equality of opportunity lies with managers
and supervisors, individuals at all levels have a responsibility to treat others with dignity and respect.
The personal commitment of everyone to this policy and application of its principles are essential to
eliminate discrimination and provide equality and equity throughout the Company.
Breaches of this policy will be dealt with in accordance with our Disciplinary Procedure. Serious cases
of discrimination may amount to gross misconduct resulting in dismissal without notice.
If you believe that you have suffered discrimination you can raise the matter through our Grievance
Procedure.
Our commitment as an employer
The Company is committed to:
- creating an environment in which individual differences and the contributions of our employees are recognised and valued
- everyone is entitled to a working environment that promotes dignity and respect to all. No form of intimidation, bullying or harassment will be tolerated
- providing training, development and progression opportunities to all employees
- understanding equality and inclusion in the workplace is good management practice and makes
sound business sense - reviewing all our employment practices and procedures to ensure fairness and inclusion for all
- taking steps to ensure equality amongst our workforce such as ensuring that our vacancies are
advertised to a diverse range of potential candidates - diversity in our workforce will be regularly monitored to ensure equal opportunities throughout
the Company. Where appropriate, measures will be taken to identify and remove unnecessary
obstacles and to meet the special needs of disadvantaged or underrepresented groups - monitoring and reviewing this policy annually
Our commitment as a service provider
The Company is committed to:
- providing services to which all clients are entitled regardless of age, disability, gender
reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex
or sexual orientation - making sure our services are delivered equally and meet the diverse needs of our service users
and clients - taking steps to ensure equality amongst our clients and service users such as removing any
unlawful obstacles to accessing our services or facilities - fully supporting this policy by senior management and ensuring agreement has been reached
with employee representatives, if applicable - monitoring and reviewing this policy annually
- having clear procedures that enable our clients, candidates for jobs and employees to raise a
grievance or make a complaint if they feel they have been unfairly treated
Equal opportunity policy statements
Age
We will:
- ensure that people of all ages are treated with respect and dignity
- ensure that people are given equal access to our employment, training, development and
promotion opportunities and - challenge discriminatory assumptions about younger and older people
Disability
We will:
- provide any reasonable adjustments to ensure disabled people have access to our services and employment opportunities. If we feel that a particular adjustment would not be reasonable, we will discuss this with you and try to find an alternative solution where possible
- challenge discriminatory assumptions about disabled people
- If you are disabled or become disabled, we encourage you to tell us about your condition so that
we can support you as appropriate - We will keep the physical features of our premises under review to consider whether they might
place anyone with a disability at a substantial disadvantage. Where necessary, we will take
reasonable steps to improve access.
Race
We will:
- challenge racism wherever it occurs
- respond swiftly and sensitively to racist incidents
- actively promote race equality and inclusion in the Company
- take positive action to redress the negative effects of discrimination against everyone
- offer equal access for everyone to representation, services, employment, training and pay and encourage other organisations to do the same.
Gender
We will:
- challenge discriminatory assumptions about gender
- take positive action to redress the negative effects of discrimination against everyone
- offer equal access for everyone to representation, services, employment, training and pay and
encourage other organisations to do the same and - provide support to prevent discrimination against transgender people who have or who are
about to undergo gender reassignment
Sexual orientation
We will:
- ensure that we take account of the needs of everyone, including the LGBTQ+ communities
- challenge discriminatory assumptions about the LGBTQ+ communities
- take positive action to redress the negative effects of discrimination against everyone and
- offer equal access for everyone to representation, services, employment, training and pay and
encourage other organisations to do the same
Religion or belief
We will:
- ensure that employees’ religion or beliefs and related observances are respected and accommodated wherever possible and
- respect people’s beliefs where the expression of those beliefs does not impinge on the
legitimate rights of others.
Religion or belief
We will:
- ensure that people are treated with respect and dignity during pregnancy or maternity leave
- challenge discriminatory assumptions about pregnancy or maternity
- ensure that no individual is disadvantaged during pregnancy or maternity leave and that we take
account of the needs of our employees’ during pregnancy or maternity leave.
Religion or belief
We will:
- ensure that people are treated with respect and dignity regardless of marriage or civil partnership status
- challenge discriminatory assumptions about the marriage or civil partnership of our employees
- ensure that no individual is disadvantaged as a result of their marriage or civil partnership status.
Part time and fixed term work
Part time and fixed term employees should be treated the same as comparable full time or
permanent employees and enjoy no less favourable terms and conditions (on a pro-rata basis where
appropriate), unless different treatment is justified
Equal pay
We will ensure that all employees have the right to the same contractual pay and benefits for carrying out the same work, work rated as equivalent work or work of equal value
