Our organization is dedicated to upholding equality of opportunity in our employment practices and procedures, and to preventing unlawful discrimination against our employees, job applicants, clients, or customers. We are committed to not discriminating directly or indirectly in recruitment or employment based on age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, pregnancy, maternity, race, sexual orientation, religion, belief, or marital status. These are considered “protected characteristics.”

Moreover, we are committed to avoiding unlawful discrimination against customers, contractors, suppliers, or visitors using the goods, facilities, and services that we provide. Our policy aims to ensure that all our employees are treated fairly, respectfully, and without prejudice. It is implemented in accordance with the Equality Act 2010 and all other applicable statutory requirements.

In our work environment, we endeavor to maintain a positive atmosphere free from harassment and bullying. We are committed to ensuring that everyone is treated with dignity and respect at all times, in line with the principles of equal opportunities in employment.

Various types of unlawful discrimination are outlined, such as direct discrimination, indirect discrimination, harassment, associative discrimination, perceptive discrimination, failure to make reasonable adjustments, and victimization. We have a separate policy concerning dignity at work, specifically addressing bullying and harassment-related issues.

Additionally, we provide training in equal opportunities to managers and others likely to be involved in recruitment or decision-making processes with equal opportunities considerations. We also rely on the support of all individuals to meet our commitment to providing equal opportunities in employment and to prevent unlawful discrimination.

It is important to note that acts of harassment, discrimination, bullying, or victimization are disciplinary offences and will be dealt with under our disciplinary procedure. If individuals believe they have been unlawfully discriminated against or have experienced a breach of this policy, they are encouraged to use our grievance procedure to make a complaint.

The organization takes these matters seriously and individuals who commit serious acts of harassment may be guilty of a criminal offense. Acts of

discrimination, harassment, bullying, or victimization may constitute gross misconduct and could lead to summary dismissal.