Our Commitment:
· To create an inclusive culture where everyone can be valued for who they are and in which I individual differences and the contributions of all our staff are recognised and valued.
· Our recruitment, selection and assessment process will be based entirely on skills and competencies of the specific roles and appointments will be transparent and based entirely on merit.
· Every employee is entitled to a working environment that promotes dignity and respect to all. No form of intimidation, bullying or harassment will be tolerated.
· We will ensure that individuals are treated equally and fairly and that decisions on training, development and progression opportunities are available to all staff and based on objective criteria.
· To promote EDI in the workplace, which we believe is good management practice and makes sound business sense.
· We will regularly review all our employment practices and procedures to ensure fairness.
· Where we are advised, we will make reasonable adjustments (if needed) to ensure that our services and offices can be accessed.
· Breaches of our EDI Policy will be regarded as misconduct and could lead to disciplinary proceedings.
· Third-party harassment, concerning our staff or candidates, relating to a protected characteristic will not be tolerated. The employee concerned should inform their line manager at once and Change will fully investigate and take all reasonable steps to ensure such harassment does not happen again.
· This policy is fully supported by the Leadership Team. The policy will be monitored and reviewed annually by the Group Managing Director and the HR Manager.
Your responsibility as a Colleague:
Change is an EDI employer. EDI is about good employment practices and efficient use of our employees. Every employee has personal responsibility for the implementation of this policy. In particular, all members of staff should:
· Comply with the policy and arrangements.
· Not discriminate in their day-to-day activities or induce others to do so.
· Not victimise, harass, or intimidate other staff or groups who have, or are perceived to have one of the protected characteristics.
· ensure no individual is discriminated against or harassed because of their association with another individual who has a protected characteristic.
· inform their manager if they become aware of any discriminatory practice.
Any instance of doubt about the application of this policy or other questions should be addressed to your line manager in the first instance and further clarification sought from HR.
For Candidates and Clients:
· Our staff will not discriminate directly or indirectly, or harass candidates or clients because of age, disability, gender / gender reassignment, marriage / civil partnership, pregnancy / maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation in the provision of Change’s goods and services
· Job advertisements used will be non-discriminatory. Similarly, on and offline advertisements will be diverse and inclusive, targeting all suitable potential job applicants.
· Any selection criterion is based upon merit and the ability to do the job, regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, religion or philosophical belief.
· No job applicant or employee shall receive less favourable treatment than any another person does, on grounds that are discriminatory, in any form.
The responsibility of the Leadership at Change:
The effective implementation and operation of the arrangements for EDI will rest with the Group Managing Director. Directors / Managers will ensure that they and their staff operate within this policy and arrangements, and that all reasonable and practical steps are taken to avoid discrimination.
HR will be responsible for monitoring the operation of this policy in respect of employees and applicants, including ad hoc audits.
All managers and staff responsible for or involved in drafting job specifications, job advertisements, application sifting, selection interviewing, confirmation of appointments, completion of the performance management framework, consideration of employees for training and development and promotion opportunities will be made aware of and act in accordance with this policy.
Training will be provided for managers and staff to increase their awareness of this policy and the associated arrangements. This policy is covered in the company induction.
Raising Concerns:
All employees have a right to pursue a complaint concerning discrimination, or bullying and harassment, and Change will take all complaints of this nature seriously. This may be against them or others; individuals should refer to the Bullying and Harassment Policy. Change is concerned to ensure that staff feel able to raise such concerns and no individual will be penalised for raising such a concern unless it is submitted maliciously or is made in bad faith.
If an employee believes that they have been subject to discrimination, victimisation, or harassment on any grounds the employee is encouraged to discuss the matter informally with HR or a Director. The employee is also entitled to raise a formal complaint at any time. In such circumstances, the employee should invoke Change ‘s Grievance procedure.
Discrimination, harassment, and victimisation will be treated as disciplinary offences, and they will be dealt with under the Change Disciplinary Procedure.
