EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES AND DIVERSITY

Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy

Education Shed welcomes multiple approaches and different points of view. We believe that diversity drives innovation. So we are building a culture where difference is valued. We are committed to building a team that provides a variety of backgrounds, skills, and views. Creating a work environment that allows everyone from any background to do their best work is not only a good idea, it's the right thing to do.

Statement of policy

This Equal Opportunities and Diversity policy is in place to address any issues that may arise during your day to day working life. It is our strategy to maintain equality to all persons, irrespective of:

• Gender,
• Marital or civil partnership status,
• Having or not having dependants,
• Having a disability,
• Religious belief or political opinion,
• Race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins),
• Sexual orientation, or
• Age.

There is much legislation in place regarding equal opportunities and this policy is written in unity with such. This policy is reviewed and updated accordingly. Those who have any questions regarding the policy should speak to the CEO. Any complaints of discrimination will be pursued through the organisation´s Grievance Procedure which is given out to all employees with their employment contract or can be obtained by asking for another copy.

Definition of discrimination:

Discrimination can be both direct and indirect. To discriminate against someone is to treat someone less favourably because of the bullet points listed at the top of the page for no fair reason. Indirect discrimination occurs when employers apply conditions that cannot be justified in the given situation. Making prejudice decisions or engaging in prejudice or discriminatory behaviour in the work place is not tolerated and will be dealt with accordingly.

Education Shed is an equal opportunities company and hire and promote the best candidate for the job. Recruitment and selection is based on job-related criteria and applications will be monitored to make sure job advertisements or job specifications are discriminating against anyone. All employees will be considered solely on their merits for career development and promotion with equal opportunities for all. Job titles and descriptions are completely non-discriminatory and access to training courses is also non-discriminatory.

Male and female employees have the right to earn the same wage. Maternity and paternity information is set out in your employment contract. An employee who is pregnant has the right to time off with pay for antenatal care; this includes appointments with the GP or hospital. The right to paternity leave is set out in the Paternity and Adoption Leave Regulations 2002. The right applies to certain individuals where there is a sufficient relationship to the child or its mother.

Any racial or otherwise discriminatory comments are not tolerated and will be dealt with in an appropriate manner as will any other comments that offend or upset an individual or group. Harassment is any behaviour which is unwelcome, unreciprocated or offensive to the individual receiving it. It can include comments, actions, jokes and suggestions aimed at one person or a group of people. It is often intimidating and threatening. Harassment can be persistent or a one off incident, either way it is not acceptable and will be dealt with in the appropriate manner set out in the Grievance Procedure. Bullying can be a type of harassment. It often undermines the ability and confidence of the person who is suffering it. It can lead to fear, de-motivation, isolation, poor concentration, reduced output, symptoms of stress and high absence levels.

We ensure a harmonious working environment for all persons where employees know who to speak to if they feel they are being discriminated against, harassed or bullied. Appropriate action as stated in the Equal Opportunities & Diversity and Grievance Policies will be taken on receipt of any complaint. All complaints of discrimination will be dealt with seriously, promptly and in strictest confidence. There is also a health and safety policy in place to further protect all employees.