Equality and Diversity Policy

The Company is an equal opportunity employer, and has an Equal Opportunities Employment Policy (EOEP) in place. Responsibility for the effective operation of this policy rests with the Human Resources Manager.

The EOEP covers all aspects of employment, from vacancy advertising, selection, recruitment and training to conditions of service and termination of employment.

To ensure that the EOEP is operating effectively (and for no other purpose) the Company maintains records of employees' and applicants' racial origins, gender and disability.

Ongoing monitoring and regular analysis of such records provide the basis for appropriate action to eliminate unlawful direct and indirect discrimination and promote equality of opportunity.

Vacancy advertising

Wherever possible, all vacancies will be advertised simultaneously internally and externally, and steps will be taken to ensure that knowledge of vacancies reaches a diverse range of the internal and external community.

Vacancies will usually be notified to job centres, careers offices, schools, colleges and universities, as well as the company's intranet.

All vacancy advertisements will include an appropriate short statement on equal opportunity.
 
Selection and recruitment

Selection criteria will be kept under constant review to ensure that any criteria are justifiable on non-discriminatory grounds as being essential for the effective performance of the job.

Wherever possible, more than one person will be involved in the selection interview and recruitment process and those involved will have received training in equal opportunities.

Reasons for selection and / or rejection of applicants for vacancies will be recorded.
 
Positive action - training, promotion and conditions of service

All employees will be encouraged to apply for training and employment opportunities within the Company.

Special training will be provided, if applicable, for under represented groups to prepare them to compete on genuinely equal terms for jobs and promotion. However, actual recruitment to all jobs will be strictly on merit.

Wherever necessary, use will be made of lawful exemptions to recruit suitably qualified people to cater for the special needs of particular groups.

Efforts will be made, wherever possible, to identify and remove unnecessary / unjustifiable barriers and provide appropriate facilities and conditions of service to meet the special needs of disadvantaged and/or underrepresented groups.
 
Personnel records

Employees are able to check their own personal record and if necessary correct any details recorded about them in relation to gender, racial origin and disability. Otherwise, access to this information will be restricted.

General

The objectives of this EOEP are to:

• ensure that the Company has access to the widest labour market and secures the best employees for its needs;
• ensure that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment and that, wherever possible, they are given the help they need to attain their full potential for the benefit of both the company and themselves; and
• achieve an ability-based workforce in line with the working population mix in the relevant labour market areas

The co-operation of all employees is essential for the success of the EOEP. However, ultimate responsibility for achieving the policy's objectives and for ensuring compliance with the relevant legislation and Codes of Practice, lies with the Company.

Behaviour or actions against the spirit and / or the letter of the laws on which this policy is based will be considered serious disciplinary matters, and may, in some cases, lead to dismissal.