Equality, Diversity and Dignity Policy

This policy sets out the approach of The Shore Group (“the Company”) to equality, diversity, and dignity at work. The Company is committed to providing equal opportunities throughout employment and promoting equality and diversity. The Company aims to create a harmonious work environment that is free of bullying and harassment, to ensure that everyone is treated with dignity and respect. Everyone has the right to be treated with fairness and consideration regardless of their position in the Company structure. Acts of unfair treatment will not be tolerated. 

The Company promotes a culture that actively values difference and recognises the benefits that a diverse workforce brings. The Shore Group aims for its employees to be representative of all sections of our customers and society, and for each employee to feel respected and valued. This policy applies to all employees, volunteers, contractors, consultants, temporary or agency workers and applicants, and it applies to the entire employment relationship, from recruitment to termination of employment. 

This policy also covers the behaviour of employees outside of working hours which may adversely impact on working relationships. All employees, as well as the Company, have a personal responsibility for carrying out and implementing this policy. Compliance should ensure that employees do not commit unlawful acts of discrimination or unfair treatment. Every employee is required to assist the business to meet its commitment to provide equal opportunities in employment and avoid unlawful discrimination, and to promote a culture of dignity and respect. All employees, as well as the Company, have a personal responsibility for carrying out and implementing this policy. Employees should always ensure that their conduct is in accordance with the guidelines laid down in this policy. 

All employees should acknowledge that: 

· They can be held personally liable as well as, or instead of, the Company for any act of unlawful discrimination, bullying, harassment, or victimisation 

· Suspected acts of unlawful discrimination, bullying, harassment, or victimisation are disciplinary offences of misconduct and will be dealt with under the Company’s disciplinary procedure 

· Particularly serious complaints may constitute gross misconduct and could lead to dismissal without notice 

· They have a responsibility to act as role models and to report any wrongdoing in relation to this policy of which they become aware of 

The Company therefore expects all employees to: 

· Act fairly and provide equality of opportunity 

· Recognise that everyone is different and that these differences must be equally respected 

· Be aware that they must not treat people less favourably because of a protected characteristic 

· Challenge discrimination so that we demonstrate our commitment to equality and diversity and do not exclude people, or make them feel isolated 

· Not themselves unlawfully discriminate as staff responsible for decisions on recruitment, selection, promotion or transfer 

· Not induce or attempt to induce others to practice discrimination, nor yield to pressure from others to discriminate 

· Not victimise or attempt to victimise individuals on the grounds that they have made complaints under the Equality Act or provided information about discrimination 

· Not harass, abuse or intimidate other employees 

· Draw to the attention of management apparent breaches of this policy 

The Shore Group acknowledges that it should: 

· Provide equality, fairness and respect for all employees 

· Not unlawfully discriminate against individuals because of any protected characteristic 

· Avoid all forms of unlawful discrimination in pay and benefits, terms and conditions, grievance and disciplinary handling, dismissal, redundancy, leave for parents, flexible working requests, selection in recruitment, promotion, training and other developmental opportunities 

· Be committed in opposing unlawful discrimination of customers, service providers, or the public 

The Shore Group makes the following commitments: 

· To encourage equality and diversity in the workplace 

· To make this policy available, and to actively train employees, to drive awareness of their responsibility in relation to this policy 

· To make decisions, when appointing new employees, regarding basic pay and allowances based on the nature of the job role and the new employee’s experience of doing such work 

· To make decisions relating to salary increases or discretionary bonuses on merit and performance 

· To make all recruitment decisions based on experience, knowledge, demonstrated competencies and capability 

· To regularly review employment practices to ensure fairness and alignment with this policy and to amend both in line with updated legislation 

· To monitor the make-up of the workforce to meet the aims and commitments of this policy 

· To provide training and development opportunities to all employees 

The Shore Group will monitor the Company’s awareness and commitment to equality, diversity and dignity. The HR Manager will review this policy on a regular basis in line with legislative or regulatory requirements, and any internal requirements. It is anticipated that most concerns raised under this policy will be resolved informally. Employees are encouraged to speak to their manager, or the HR Manager, for an initial informal discussion about the matter. However, where this is not possible, employees who feel that they may have been unlawfully discriminated against, bullied, harassed, or victimised may use the Company’s grievance procedure to make a complaint. Prompt action will be taken to investigate any alleged concerns. The Company will take any complaint seriously and will seek to resolve any grievance that it upholds. You will not be penalised for raising a grievance, even if your grievance is not upheld, unless your complaint is both untrue and made in bad faith.