Equal Opportunities and Valuing Diversity Policy

Statement

Rescue 2 Limited is committed to valuing diversity and seeks to provide all staff with the opportunity for employment, career and personal development on the basis of ability, qualifications and suitability for the work as well as their potential to be developed into the job.

We believe that people from different backgrounds can bring fresh ideas, thinking and approaches which make the way work is undertaken more effective and efficient and we are committed to providing a working environment that is free from discrimination.

The Company will seek to promote the principles of equality and diversity in all its dealings with employees, workers, job applicants, clients, customers, suppliers, contractors, recruitment agencies and the public.

It is also the responsibility of all staff in their daily actions, decisions and behaviour to endeavor to promote these concepts, to comply with all relevant legislation and to ensure that they do not discriminate against colleagues, customers, suppliers or any other person associated with the Company.

All employees and those who act on the Company's behalf are required to adhere to this policy when undertaking their duties or when representing the Company in any other guise.

Unlawful discrimination

Rescue 2 Limited will not tolerate any direct or indirect discrimination of any kind in the working environment and will take all necessary action to prevent its occurrence.

Specifically, the Company aims to ensure that no employee or job applicant is subject to unlawful discrimination, either directly or indirectly, on the grounds of gender, gender reassignment, race (including colour, nationality, caste and ethnic origin), disability, sexual orientation, marital status, part-time status, pregnancy or maternity, age, religion or belief, political belief or affiliation or trade union membership. This commitment applies to all aspects of employment, including:

• Recruitment and selection, including advertisements, job descriptions, interview and selection procedures
• Training
• Promotion and career-development opportunities
• Terms and conditions of employment, and access to employment-related benefits and facilities
• Grievance handling and the application of disciplinary procedures
• Selection for redundancy

Equal opportunities practice is developing constantly as social attitudes and legislation change. The Company will review all policies and implement necessary changes where these could improve equality of opportunity.

Statement

Rescue 2 Limited is committed to valuing diversity and seeks to provide all staff with the opportunity for employment, career and personal development on the basis of ability, qualifications and suitability for the work as well as their potential to be developed into the job.

We believe that people from different backgrounds can bring fresh ideas, thinking and approaches which make the way work is undertaken more effective and efficient and we are committed to providing a working environment that is free from discrimination.

The Company will seek to promote the principles of equality and diversity in all its dealings with employees, workers, job applicants, clients, customers, suppliers, contractors, recruitment agencies and the public.

It is also the responsibility of all staff in their daily actions, decisions and behaviour to endeavor to promote these concepts, to comply with all relevant legislation and to ensure that they do not discriminate against colleagues, customers, suppliers or any other person associated with the Company.

All employees and those who act on the Company's behalf are required to adhere to this policy when undertaking their duties or when representing the Company in any other guise.

Unlawful discrimination

Rescue 2 Limited will not tolerate any direct or indirect discrimination of any kind in the working environment and will take all necessary action to prevent its occurrence.

Specifically, the Company aims to ensure that no employee or job applicant is subject to unlawful discrimination, either directly or indirectly, on the grounds of gender, gender reassignment, race (including colour, nationality, caste and ethnic origin), disability, sexual orientation, marital status, part-time status, pregnancy or maternity, age, religion or belief, political belief or affiliation or trade union membership. This commitment applies to all aspects of employment, including:

• Recruitment and selection, including advertisements, job descriptions, interview and selection procedures
• Training
• Promotion and career-development opportunities
• Terms and conditions of employment, and access to employment-related benefits and facilities
• Grievance handling and the application of disciplinary procedures
• Selection for redundancy

Equal opportunities practice is developing constantly as social attitudes and legislation change. The Company will review all policies and implement necessary changes where these could improve equality of opportunity.

Key Actions

In adopting these principles Rescue 2 Limited:

• Will not tolerate acts that breach this policy and all such breaches or alleged breaches will be taken seriously, be fully investigated and may be subject to disciplinary action where appropriate.
• Will treat seriously all complaints of discrimination made by employees, clients, customers, suppliers, contractors or other third parties and will take action where appropriate.
• Fully recognises its legal obligations under all relevant legislation and codes of practice.
• Will ensure that all managers understand and maintain their responsibilities and those of their team under this policy.

• Will offer opportunities for flexible working patterns, wherever operationally feasible, to help employees to combine a career with their domestic responsibilities.

• Will provide equal opportunity to all who apply for vacancies through open competition.

• Will select candidates only on the basis of their ability to carry out the job, using a clear and open process.

• Will ensure all employees have equal access to training and other career development opportunities appropriate to their experience and abilities.

• Will provide all reasonable assistance to employees who are or who become disabled, making reasonable adjustments wherever possible to provide continued employment. We will ensure an appropriate risk assessment is carried out and that appropriate specialist advice is obtained when necessary.

• Will distribute and publicise this policy statement throughout the Company.

Allegations of Discrimination

If you believe that you have been discriminated against, you are encouraged to raise the matter as soon as possible with your manager or other senior employee using the Company's Grievance Procedure or Dignity at Work Procedure as contained later in this Handbook.

Allegations regarding potential breaches of this policy will be treated in confidence and investigated thoroughly. If you make an allegation of discrimination, the Company is committed to ensuring that you are protected from victimisation, harassment or less favourable treatment. Any such incidents will be dealt with under the Company's Disciplinary Procedures.

If you are accused of unlawful discrimination, the Company will investigate the matter fully. During the course of the investigation, you will be given the opportunity to respond to the allegation and provide an explanation of your actions.

If the investigation concludes that the claim is false or malicious, the complainant may be subject to disciplinary action. If the investigation concludes that your actions amount to unlawful discrimination, you will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal without notice for gross misconduct.