Equality and Diversity Policy

1. Policy Statement

We are committed to promoting an environment free from discrimination and one which encourages equality and diversity.

The purpose of this policy is to promote equality and fairness to all in our employment as well as subcontractors, temporary and agency workers. This policy also extends to clients, suppliers and the local communities. We will not discriminate on grounds of age, disability, gender (including transgender), marital status (including civil partnership), pregnancy and maternity, race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin), religion or sexual orientation.

We oppose all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination. This includes direct and indirect discrimination, associative discrimination, perceived discrimination, harassment and victimisation.

2. Our commitment:

3. Responsibilities

Whilst the responsibility for ensuring that there is no unlawful discrimination rests with management, all people employed by or working on behalf of our business also have a personal responsibility to abide by this policy in their interactions with all people internally and externally.

4. Complaints Procedure

Any complaints under this policy can be progressed either informally through Line Management or  through our Grievance Procedure. Please refer to the Shepherd Group Industrial Division Grievance Procedure for further details. Any complaints under this policy will be investigated and appropriate action taken, which may include disciplinary action.

This policy is fully supported by senior management and our commitment to equality and diversity is a fundamental part of our people processes. This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure it is up to date with current legislation.