EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY POLICY
The success of a business depends on people. Capitalising on what is unique about individuals and drawing on their different perspectives and experiences will add value to the way we do business.
By accessing, recruiting and developing talent from the widest possible talent pool we can gain an insight into different markets and generate greater creativity in anticipating customer needs.
We will constantly strive to create a productive environment, representative of and responsive to different cultures and groups, where everyone has an equal chance to succeed.
We all have a responsibility to embrace and support this vision and must continue to challenge behaviour and attitudes that prevent us from achieving this. Using fair, objective and innovative employment practices, our aim is to ensure that:
• All employees and potential employees are treated fairly and with respect at all stages of their employment.
• All employees have the right to be free from harassment and bullying of any description, or any other form of unwanted behaviour, whether based on sex, trans-gender status, marital status, civil partnership status, pregnancy, race, disability, age, political or religious belief or sexuality.
• All employees have an equal chance to contribute and to achieve their potential, irrespective of any defining feature that may give rise to unfair discrimination.
The diversity of the communities we serve is reflected at all levels within our workforce.
Gender
Women and men are fully and properly represented and rewarded for their contribution at all levels of the organisation through:
• challenging gender stereotypes
• supporting employees in balancing their life at work and at home
• supporting employees who become pregnant and taking active steps to facilitate their return to work after maternity leave.
Trans-Gender Status
People who plan to undergo, are undergoing, or have undergone gender re-assignment are protected against all forms of discrimination and harassment. The employer will take positive steps to support a trans-gender person and ensure they are treated with dignity and respect.
Marital Status
People are treated fairly and equally in the workplace irrespective of their marital, civil partnership or family status.
Race
The racial and cultural diversity of our communities is represented at all levels of the Company through:
• challenging racial stereotypes
• understanding, respecting and valuing different racial and cultural backgrounds and perspectives.
Disability
The abilities of disabled people are recognised and valued at all levels of the Company through:
• focusing on what people can do rather than on what they cannot
• challenging stereotypes about people with disabilities
• making appropriate adjustments in the workplace to help people with disabilities achieve their full career potential.
Age
Age diversity within the workforce is promoted and valued through:
• challenging age stereotyping
• recognising the benefits of a mixed-age workforce.
Religious belief and political opinion
People are treated fairly in the workplace irrespective of their religious beliefs and practices or political opinions by recognising individuals’ freedom of belief and right to protection from intolerance and persecution.
HIV
Discrimination against an employee or potential employee on grounds that he or she has, or is thought to have, HIV or AIDS is not acceptable, and confidentiality will be respected in line with the wishes of an individual with HIV or AIDS.
Sexuality
People are treated fairly in the workplace irrespective of their sexuality through:
• respecting different lifestyles
• challenging negative stereotypical views