Equal Opportunities Policy

Policy statement

We promote equal opportunities in employment and prohibit discrimination based on age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, race, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

Scope

This policy applies across recruitment, pay and conditions, training, appraisals, promotion, conduct, disciplinary and grievance procedures, and termination of employment.

Prohibited conduct

• Direct discrimination.
• Indirect discrimination without objective justification.
• Harassment, including sexual harassment.
• Victimization of those raising concerns.
• Disability discrimination, including failure to make reasonable adjustments.

Recruitment and selection

• Hiring and promotion decisions are merit-based using objective criteria.
• Vacancies should be advertised inclusively and avoid biased language.
• Pre-offer health/disability questions are limited to lawful exceptions only.

Disabilities, part-time and fixed-term work

We encourage disclosure of disability support needs and will consider reasonable adjustments. Part-time and fixed-term workers should not be treated less favorably than comparable full-time or permanent employees without objective justification.

Breaches and reporting

Breaches are handled under disciplinary procedures. Anyone who believes they have experienced discrimination should raise concerns via grievance or anti-harassment channels. Retaliation is prohibited.