Equality and Diversity Policy

Introduction

We are an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to equality of opportunity and to providing a service and following practices which are free from unfair and unlawful discrimination.

The aim of this policy is to ensure that no applicant or member of staff receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation, or is disadvantaged by conditions or requirements which cannot be shown to be relevant to performance. It seeks also to ensure that no person is victimised or subjected to any form of bullying or harassment.

We value people as individuals with diverse opinions, cultures, lifestyles and circumstances. All employees are covered by this policy and it applies to all areas of employment including recruitment, selection, training, deployment, career development, and promotion. These areas are monitored, and policies and practices are amended if necessary, to ensure that no unfair or unlawful discrimination, intentional, unintentional, direct or indirect, overt or latent exists.

Responsibility

Equality of opportunity, valuing diversity and compliance with the law is to the benefit of all individuals in our business as it seeks to develop the skills and abilities of its people.

While specific responsibility for eliminating discrimination and providing equality of opportunity lies with managers and supervisors, individuals at all levels have a responsibility to treat others with dignity and respect.

The personal commitment of every employee to this policy and application of its principles are essential to eliminate discrimination and provide equality throughout the business.

Specific responsibilities relating to equality and diversity are listed below;

Director(s)

The Director(s) are responsible for keeping up to date with relevant legislation relating to equality & diversity and ensuring that business policies and procedures are amended accordingly to comply with the legislation.

They are responsible for ensuring that anyone working for on behalf of D A Languages is given adequate and regular training on equality & diversity and that they understand and abide by the regulation and this policy.

Risk & Compliance Manager

The Risk & Compliance Manager is responsible for implementing and monitoring the equality and diversity policy and, as part of this process, all personnel policies and procedures are administered with the objective of promoting equality of opportunity and eliminating unfair or unlawful discrimination.

The Risk & Compliance Manager also acts as the first point of contact for any queries, concerns or issues relating to equality and diversity within the workplace.

Managers

Managers are responsible for advocating equality and diversity within the workplace and ensuring that all employees abide by this policy. They are expected to monitor its use and effectiveness and ensure that their team operate in line with this policy.

Employees

Employees are expected to familiarise themselves with this policy and abide by it at all times. All employees are encouraged to report any concerns or suspicions of non-adherence to this policy to the Risk & Compliance Manager at the earliest possible stage. Employees should refer to our whistleblowing policy for more guidance.

Our Commitment

As an Employer

D A Languages commit to;

• Treat all employees, workers or self-employed contractors whether part time, full time or temporary, fairly and with respect.
• To ensure that selection for employment, promotion, training, or any other benefit will be on the basis of aptitude and ability
• To create an environment in which individual differences and the contributions of our staff are recognized, considered and valued.
• Ensure that every employee, worker or self-employed contractor is entitled to a working environment that promotes dignity and respect to all
• Ensure that all employees have the right to the same contractual pay and benefits for carrying out the same work, work rated as equivalent work or work of equal value
• Take a zero-tolerance approach to any form of intimidation, bullying or harassment
• Respect people’s beliefs where the expression of those beliefs does not impinge on the legitimate rights of others
• Training, development and progression opportunities are available to all staff.
• Challenge discriminatory action or assumptions against any employees, workers or self-employed contractors
• Provide any reasonable adjustments to ensure that people with a disability have access to our services and employment opportunities
• Respond swift and sensitively to any incidents
• We will continually review and seek to improve our employment practices and procedures to ensure fairness
• Effectively and appropriately handling any breaches of this policy

As a Service Provider

D A Languages commit to;

• Providing services to which all clients are entitled regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation, offending past, caring responsibilities or social class.
• Ensuring that our services are delivered equally and meet the diverse needs of our service users and clients by assessing and meeting the diverse needs of our clients.
• We have clear procedures that enable our clients, candidates for jobs and employees to raise a grievance or make a complaint if they feel they have been unfairly treated.
• Effectively and appropriately handling any breaches of this policy

Non-Compliance with this Policy

Non-conformance with this policy may result in disciplinary action, as outlined in the Employee Handbook.

A copy of all our company policies can be made available on request.