Equal Opportunities Policy

1.1. The Equal Opportunities Policy aims to promote equality, harmony and respect amongst individuals and to eliminate discrimination, harassment and victimisation of all kinds. Every employee must ensure that his/her conduct conforms to the standards set out in this policy statement.
1.2. Cole Contractors Limited is committed to encouraging diversity and eliminating discrimination in its role as an employer. Our aim is that our employees are truly representative of all sections of society and work in an environment where everyone is respected and able to perform to the best of their ability.
1.3. Our policy is to provide equality and fairness for all in our employment and in our provision of services and not to discriminate on the grounds of gender, marital status, race, ethnic origin, colour, nationality, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, religion or age.
1.4. Cole Contractors Limited opposes all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination. It is our policy to provide a suitable environment for people with disabilities. All reasonable facilities will be provided for any member of staff with disabilities to perform their roles without difficulty or disadvantage.
1.5. The Company will not tolerate direct or indirect discrimination against any person on grounds of age, disability, gender, gender reassignment, marriage / civil partnership, pregnancy / maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation whether in the field of recruitment, terms and conditions of employment, career progression, training, transfer or dismissal.
1.6. It is also the responsibility of all staff in their daily actions, decisions and behaviour to endeavour 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.
1.7. In adopting these principles Cole Contractors Limited:

1.7.1. 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;
1.7.2. Fully recognises its legal obligations under all relevant legislation and codes of practice;
1.7.3. Will allow staff to pursue any matter through the internal procedures which they believe has exposed them to inequitable treatment within the scope of this policy. If you need to access these procedures they can be obtained from your line manager e.g. Grievance Procedure, Dignity at Work Procedure etc.;
1.7.4. Will ensure that all managers understand and maintain their responsibilities and those of their team under this policy;
1.7.5. Will offer opportunities for flexible working patterns, wherever operationally feasible, to help employees to combine a career with their domestic responsibilities;
1.7.6. Will provide equal opportunity to all who apply for vacancies through open competition;
1.7.7. Will select candidates only on the basis of their ability to carry out the job, using a clear and open process;
1.7.8. Will provide all employees with the training and development that they need to carry out their job effectively;
1.7.9. 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;
1.7.10. Will distribute and publicise this policy statement throughout the Company.

2. Implementing the Policy

2.1. In order to put this policy into practice in the day-to-day operation of the Company, we will (as appropriate):

2.1.1. Make the policy available to all employees and others under our control.
2.1.2. Provide training and guidance for key decision makers such as managers and supervisory staff and those involved in personnel and management practices.
2.1.3. Monitor the existing workforce in respect of the application and effects of the policy.
2.1.4. Review this policy on a regular basis (at least annually).