We are committed to the promotion of equality of opportunity at all levels within our organisation. This includes creating a working environment free of bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination, promoting dignity and respect for all, and where individual differences and the contributions of all staff are recognised and valued. It is our policy to provide equality of employment (and in respect of candidates and job applicants) to all, irrespective of:
- gender, including gender reassignment
- marital or civil partnership status
- having or not having dependents
- religious belief or political opinion
- race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, being a member of the traveller community)
- disability
- sexual orientation
- age
We oppose all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination both direct and indirect. All our employees and candidates will be treated fairly and will not be discriminated against on any of the above grounds. Decisions on selection for employment, (presentation for employment in respect of candidates), office, training or any other benefit including rates of pay, hours worked etc. will be made objectively, without unlawful discrimination, and based on aptitude and ability. We recognise that the provision of equal opportunities in all our activities benefits our organisation. Our equal opportunities policy helps employees and candidates develop their full potential and we aim to fully utilise the talents and resources of our employees to maximise the effectiveness of the organisation. We recognise our statutory duty under the Equality Act 2010, to implement an equal opportunities policy. This policy applies to applicants for employment within our organisation, to our interaction with suppliers and customers (including all their employees), to candidates and job applicants using our services to secure temporary or permanent placements and to members of the wider community.
We are committed to the principles and practice of Equality.
We value the diversity of the local population. We want our services, facilities and resources to be accessible and useful to every citizen regardless of gender, age, ethnic origin, religious belief, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other individual characteristic which may unfairly affect a person’s opportunities in life.
Equality commitments
We are committed to:
- promoting equality of opportunity for all persons
- promoting a good and harmonious learning environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity and in which no form of intimidation or harassment is tolerated
- preventing occurrences of unlawful direct discrimination, indirect discrimination, harassment and victimisation
- fulfilling all our legal obligations under the equality legislation and associated codes of practice
- complying with our own equal opportunities policy and associated policies
- taking lawful affirmative or positive action, where appropriate
- breaches of our equal opportunities policy will be regarded as misconduct and could lead to termination of employment
This policy is fully supported by our Management Team.
Implementation
The Management Team has specific responsibility for the effective implementation of this policy. We expect all employees to abide by the policy and help to create an equality based environment which is its objective.
In order to implement this policy we shall:
- Communicate the policy to employees by issuing an induction sheet to all existing, and new employees and to candidates and job applicants when they register with us
- Endeavour through appropriate training to ensure that it will not consciously, or unconsciously discriminate in the selection or recruitment of applicants for employment
- Incorporate specific and appropriate duties in respect of implementing the equal opportunities policy into roles and responsibilities of the Management Team
- Incorporate equal opportunities notices into general communications (e.g. announcements, annual report at annual general meeting, notices and newsletters). This policy will be made available to all members at each annual general meeting
- Ensure that adequate resources are made available to fulfil the objectives of the policy
Monitoring and review
We will establish appropriate information and monitoring systems to assist the effective implementation of our equal opportunities policy. The effectiveness of the equal opportunities policy will be reviewed regularly (at least annually) and action taken as necessary.
Complaints
Employees or candidates who believe that they have suffered any form of discrimination, bullying, harassment or victimisation are entitled to raise the matter through the agreed grievance procedures (section 7 of our Employee Handbook). The initial complaint should be made with the employee’s Line Manager (or if the complaint is about the Line Manager) with Andrew P. Molloy our Managing Director. All complaints of discrimination will be dealt with seriously, promptly and confidentially.
Every effort will be made to ensure that employees who make complaints will not be victimised. Any complaint of victimisation will be dealt with seriously, promptly and confidentially. Victimisation will result in disciplinary action and may warrant dismissal.
Complaints from members of the public will be dealt with under the same procedures.
For further information contact the Equality and Human Rights Commission who can provide free and confidential advice and guidance on promoting equality of opportunity.
Scotland: 0845 604 5510 Text phone: 0845 604 5520
Email: scotlandhelpline@equalityhumanrights.com
England: 0808 800 0082 Text phone: 0808 800 0084
Website: http://www.equalityadvisoryservice.com/