Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy

It is the policy of Vengrove to ensure that no job applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of sex, race, marital status, disability, age, part time or fixed term contract status, sexual orientation or religion, or is disadvantaged by conditions or requirements that cannot be shown to be justifiable. The organisation is committed not only to its legal obligations but also to the positive promotion of equality of opportunity and to support an inclusive culture amongst its employees. It is within our best interest to promote diversity and eliminate discrimination in the workplace.

Vengrove recognises that adhering to the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy, combined with relevant employment policies and practices, maximises the effective use of individuals in both the organisation’s and employees´ best interests. Vengrove realises the great benefits in having a diverse workforce with different backgrounds, individual differences and solely employed on ability where employees are given help and encouragement to develop their full potential and utilise their unique talents.

Recruitment and promotion

Advertisements for posts will give sufficiently clear and accurate information to enable potential applicants to assess their own suitability for the post. Information about vacant posts will be provided in such a manner that does not restrict its audience in terms of sex, race, marital status, disability, age, part-time or fixed term contract status, sexual orientation or religion. Vengrove will always seek to make appropriate adjustments to recruitment, workplaces and work processes to be able to be fully inclusive to people with different needs and working styles. We will make any reasonable adjustments from the application stage onwards to fulfil this premise.

Recruitment literature will not imply a preference for one group of applicants unless there is a genuine occupational qualification which limits the post to this particular group, in which case this must be clearly stated.

All vacancies will be circulated internally.

All descriptions and specifications for posts will include only requirements that are necessary and justifiable for the effective performance of the job.

All selection will be thorough, conducted against defined criteria and will deal only with the applicant’s suitability for the job. Where it is necessary to ask questions relating to personal circumstances, these will be related purely to job requirements and asked to all candidates.

Employment

Vengrove will not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, marital status, disability, age, part-time or fixed term contract status, sexual orientation or religion in the allocation of duties between employees employed at any level with comparable job descriptions.

Vengrove will put in place any reasonable measures and/or adjustments within the workplace for those employees who become disabled during employment or for disabled appointees or employees who require a different working style due to differing needs.

All employees will be considered solely on their merits for career development and promotion with equal opportunities for all.

Vengrove commitments:

• To create an environment in which individual differences and the contributions of all team members are recognised and valued.

• To create a working environment that promotes dignity and respect for every employee.

• To not tolerate any form of intimidation, bullying, or harassment, and to discipline those that breach this policy. • To make training, development, and progression opportunities available to all staff.

• To promote equality in the workplace, which Vengrove believe is good management practice and makes sound business sense.

• To encourage anyone who feels they have been subject to discrimination to raise their concerns so we can apply corrective measures.

• To encourage employees to treat everyone with dignity and respect.

• To regularly review all our employment practices and procedures so that fairness is maintained at all times.

Vengrove will inform all employees that an equality and diversity policy is in operation and that they are obligated to comply with its requirements and promote fairness in the workplace. The policy will also be drawn to the attention of funding agencies, stakeholders, customers, learners, and job applicants. Vengrove’s equality and diversity policy is fully supported by senior management.

Training

Employees will be provided with appropriate training regardless of sex, race, marital status, disability, age, part-time or fixed term contract status, sexual orientation or religion. All employees will be encouraged to discuss their career prospects and training needs with their Line Manager.

Grievances and victimisation

Vengrove emphasises that discrimination is unacceptable conduct which may lead to disciplinary action under the organisation’s Disciplinary Procedure. Any complaints of discrimination will be pursued through the organisation’s Grievance Procedure.