The beauty of the world lies in the diversity of it's people

Purpose:  

IT8 values and treats all people with dignity and respect.  We aim to encourage, value and manage Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI).  We oppose all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination, harassment or victimisation.  We wish to attain a workforce representative of society to ensure we secure the widest pool of talent available.

It is our aim to ensure that no employee, job applicant or candidate receives less favourable facilities or treatment (either directly or indirectly) in recruitment or employment on grounds of age, disability, gender / gender reassignment, marriage / civil partnership, pregnancy / maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation (the protected characteristics).

This Policy, and other associated arrangements/policies, shall operate in accordance with statutory requirements (including the Equality Act 2010). In addition, full account will be taken of any guidance or Codes of Practice issued by the Equality and Human Rights Commission, any Government Departments and/or any other statutory bodies. 

Our Commitment:

·         To create an inclusive culture where everyone can be valued for who they are and in which individual differences and the contributions of all our staff are recognised and valued.

·         Our recruitment, selection and assessment process will be based entirely on skills and competencies of the specific roles and appointments will be transparent and based entirely on merit.

·         Every employee is entitled to a working environment that promotes dignity and respect to all.  No form of intimidation, bullying or harassment will be tolerated.

·         We will ensure that individuals are treated equally and fairly and that decisions on training, development and progression opportunities are available to all staff and based on objective criteria.

·         To promote EDI in the workplace, which we believe is good management practice and makes sound business sense.

·         We will regularly review all our employment practices and procedures to ensure fairness. 

·         Where we are advised, we will make reasonable adjustments (if needed) to ensure that our services and offices can be accessed.

·         Breaches of our EDI Policy will be regarded as misconduct and could lead to disciplinary proceedings.

·         Third-party harassment, concerning our staff or candidates, relating to a protected characteristic will not be tolerated.  The employee concerned should inform their line manager at once and IT8 will fully investigate and take all reasonable steps to ensure such harassment does not happen again.

·         This policy is fully supported by the Leadership Team.  The policy will be monitored and reviewed annually.

Your responsibility as a Colleague:

IT8 is an EDI employer.  EDI is about good employment practices and efficient use of our employees.  Every employee has personal responsibility for the implementation of this policy.  In particular, all members of staff should:

·         comply with the policy and arrangements;

·         not discriminate in their day to day activities or induce others to do so;

·         not victimise, harass or intimidate other staff or groups who have, or are perceived to have one of the protected characteristics.

·         ensure no individual is discriminated against or harassed because of their association with another individual who has a protected characteristic.

·         inform their manager if they become aware of any discriminatory practice.

Any instance of doubt about the application of this policy or other questions should be addressed to your line manager in the first instance and further clarification sought from HR.  

For Candidates and Clients:

  ·         Our staff will not discriminate directly or indirectly, or harass candidates or clients because of  age, disability, gender / gender reassignment, marriage / civil partnership, pregnancy / maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation in the provision of IT8’s goods and services

·         Job advertisements used will be non-discriminatory. Similarly on and offline advertisements will be diverse and inclusive, targeting all suitable potential job applicants.

·         Any selection criterion is based upon merit and the ability to do the job, regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, religion or philosophical belief.

·         No job applicant or employee shall receive less favourable treatment than any another person does, on grounds that are discriminatory, in any form.      

The responsibility of the Leadership at IT8:  

The effective implementation and operation of the arrangements for EDI will rest with the Founder.  Directors / Managers will ensure that they and their staff operate within this policy and arrangements, and that all reasonable and practical steps are taken to avoid discrimination.  

HR will be responsible for monitoring the operation of this policy in respect of employees and applicants, including ad hoc audits.

All managers and staff responsible for or involved in drafting job specifications, job advertisements, application sifting, selection interviewing, confirmation of appointments, completion of the performance management framework, consideration of employees for training and development and promotion opportunities will be made aware of and act in accordance with this policy.

Training will be provided for managers and staff to increase their awareness of this policy and the associated arrangements. This policy is covered in the company induction. 

Raising Concerns:

All employees have a right to pursue a complaint concerning discrimination, or bullying and harassment, and IT8 will take all complaints of this nature seriously.  This may be against them or others; individuals should refer to the Bullying and Harassment Policy.  IT8 is concerned to ensure that staff feel able to raise such concerns and no individual will be penalised for raising such a concern unless it is submitted maliciously or is made in bad faith. 

If an employee believes that they have been subject to discrimination, victimisation or harassment on any grounds the employee is encouraged to discuss the matter informally with HR or a Director.  The employee is also entitled to raise a formal complaint at any time. In such circumstances, the employee should invoke IT8‘s Grievance procedure.

Discrimination, harassment and victimisation will be treated as disciplinary offences and they will be dealt with under the IT8 Disciplinary Procedure.