1. Overview
Highway Resource Solutions Ltd believes the skills, capabilities and talents of its employees are the key to its success. The Company benefits enormously from the diversity and variety of its workforce and is fully committed to maintaining and encouraging this diversity. The richer the mix of people, skills and cultures; the greater the range of inputs, viewpoints and experiences. Because of this, Highway Resource Solutions Ltd is fully committed to being an equal opportunities employer, defined by its diversity and opposition to all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination.
Equality of opportunity refers to the fair treatment of individuals at work and employment decisions being made on relevant, objective criteria. The Company will not discriminate on the grounds of gender, race, disability, sexuality, religion, philosophical belief, political belief (in Northern Ireland), trade union membership or age, as guided by the Equality Act 2010.
Diversity is about bringing together a rich mix of people with differing perspectives and from different backgrounds, and creating an environment in which those differences are valued. Diversity improves competitiveness by enlarging the potential for ideas and innovation, one of Highway Resource Solutions Ltd key principles. It is therefore a business imperative and part of the Company’s corporate and social responsibility.
2. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to:
- Explain Highway Resource Solutions Ltd principles on equality and diversity;
- Provide a framework for putting these principles into practice;
- Explain the types of behaviour that are not acceptable and how the Company will deal with such behaviours.
- Ensure as a company we are working within the boundaries of the Equality Act 2010.
3. Guiding Principles
As an employee of Highway Resource Solutions Ltd, you will be treated fairly and with respect. You will be encouraged to develop your full potential, ensuring your talents are fully utilised for the benefit of the organisation. Highway Resource Solutions Ltd has established the following guiding principles for managing equality of opportunity and diversity:
- The Company is committed to creating an environment in which individual differences and the contribution of all employees are recognised and valued.
- The Company is committed to providing every employee with a working environment that promotes dignity and respect for all.
- The Company will promote the employment of people with disabilities and support them to perform their work and develop their potential.
- For groups within society who have not had equal access to education and training, the Company will actively support partnerships to develop their talent and potential.
- The Company is committed to maintaining and improving employability through training and development. This applies to all employees irrespective of background.
- The Company is committed to identifying and developing high potential individuals from all backgrounds, within the organisation and externally.
- The Company will monitor and benchmark equality of opportunity and diversity, encouraging continuous improvement throughout the business.
- The Company will not positively discriminate on any grounds, as equality is always about the best person for the role.
- The Company is opposed to all forms of intimidation, discrimination, bullying and harassment.
- These principles will be applied in our relations with customers, suppliers, contractors, shareholders and other stakeholders.
4. Application
Throughout your career with Highway Resource Solutions Ltd, you will be treated no less favourably, nor be disadvantaged by conditions, requirements or practices which cannot be shown to be just, fair and based upon your ability. This will be reflected in the application of the recruitment, selection, training, promotion, performance management, reward, disciplinary and grievance procedures.
5. Recruitment & Selection
To attract the most suitable candidates for the role, job advertisements will not be confined to areas or publications that would exclude or disproportionately reduce the number of applicants. When you apply for a job within Highway Resource Solutions Ltd; your application will be matched against a clear job description.
Interviews and selection centres will be based upon the job description. You are expected to disclose to Highway Resource Solutions Ltd any disability you may have, so any reasonable adjustments can be made to the recruitment and selection procedures.
6. Promotion
You will be subject to the same fair and objective selection criteria as applied in the recruitment and selection process for promotion or transfer opportunities.
7. Training & Development
Your training and development needs will be treated according to their individual merits, based upon business and individual requirements. You will be provided with equal and fair access to all training and development opportunities appropriate to your role, personal development and further career within Highway Resource Solutions Ltd.
8. Performance Management
This is a review time for you and your manager to formally discuss your objectives, development and career aspirations. Your review will be conducted fairly and objectively, based upon your achievements and ability, taking into consideration any factors which may have an impact on these.
In the course of your career with Highway Resource Solutions Ltd, you are likely to have frequent discussions with your manager about work issues outside of the formal performance appraisal systems. These discussions will be subject to the same principles of fairness and objectivity, free of any unlawful or unfair discrimination, harassment or prejudice.
9. Reward
You will be fairly rewarded for the work that you do irrespective of gender or other unfair criteria.
Highway Resource Solutions Ltd will ensure this by operating and maintaining a reward system that provides all employees with the appropriate pay and conditions for the work they do. This will be based upon the levels of skill, knowledge, and responsibility appropriate to each individual.
10. Complaints Procedure
If you feel you are the victim of harassment, you must raise a grievance using the Company grievance procedure. The Company recognises that raising a grievance, especially if it concerns allegations of harassment, may be difficult and upsetting. However, it is very important that you raise your concerns as quickly possible. The Company will not ignore complaints of harassment and will ensure that they are investigated swiftly and confidentially. You should be assured that:
- All cases of alleged harassment or bullying will be dealt with promptly and efficiently to minimise the impact on the individuals concerned;
- All genuine complaints will be handled sympathetically, recognising that you may feel inhibited from raising a complaint against the individual or individuals concerned;
- Victimisation, in any form, will not be tolerated and will be treated as seriously as your complaint;
- Any discussions will remain confidential and information will only be disclosed to authorised personnel to ensure that a fair investigation is conducted;
- The appropriate action will be taken to put an end to any harassment;
- A full written record of events, dates and names of witnesses will be kept, in accordance with the Data Protection Act.
11. Alleging Harassment or Discrimination with Malicious Intent
Allegations of harassment or discrimination are very serious. If you allege harassment or discrimination with malicious intent or without justification, you will be subject to disciplinary action.
12. Related Policies
- Disciplinary Policy
- Grievance Policy
Status of the Policy
The Company reserves the right to cancel or amend this policy at any time.