General Principle.
Network Vehicle Hire Ltd is dedicated to encouraging a supportive and inclusive culture amongst the whole of its workforce.
It is within our best interest to promote diversity and eliminate discrimination in the workplace.
Our aim is to ensure that all employees, contractors, job applicants or persons engaged in any way by Network Vehicle Hire are given equal opportunity and that our organisation is representative of all sections of society.
Who is covered by this policy?
This policy applies to all persons engaged by Network Vehicle Hire at all levels including employees, management, agency and casual workers, and independent contractors or any other person or persons associated with us (including third parties), or any of our subsidiaries or their employees.
We hold all business or individuals engaged by Network Vehicle Hire to the same standards as we hold ourselves and expect any such business or individual to therefore comply with this policy
What is Discrimination?
Discrimination means treating a person unfairly because of who they are or because they possess certain characteristics. If you have been treated differently from other people only because of who you are or because you possess certain characteristics, you may have been discriminated against.
Discrimination may include being treated unfairly or differently due to one of the following:
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Age
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Gender
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Race
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Ethnicity
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Colour
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Nationality or National Origin
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Disability
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Religion
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Pregnancy and maternity
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Medical conditions or tests
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Sexual orientation
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Gender reassignment
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Marriage and civil partnership status
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Political Preference
Discrimination that occurs because of one or more of the above characteristics is unlawful under the Equality Act. Considering every person has at least some of these characteristics such as age, race or gender, the Act protects every person from being discriminated against.
Our Aim
To ensure that each individual employed by or engaged by Network Vehicle Hire Ltd in any context shall be respected and valued and able to give his or her best as a result.
This policy reinforces our commitment to providing equality and fairness to all and not provide less favourable facilities or treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, ethnic origin, colour, nationality, national origin, religion or belief, or sex and sexual orientation.
We are opposed to all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination. All employees & contractors engaged by Network Vehicle Hire no matter whether they are part-time, full-time, permanent or temporary will be treated fairly and with respect.
When selecting candidates for contracts, employment, promotion, training, or any other benefit, it will be on the basis of their aptitude and ability. All persons will be given help and encouragement to develop their full potential and utilise their unique talents. Therefore, the skills and resources of our organisation will be fully utilised and we will maximise the efficiency of our whole workforce.
Our Commitments
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To create an environment in which individual differences and the contributions of all team members are recognised and valued.
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To create a working environment that promotes dignity and respect for every person engaged by Network Vehicle Hire Ltd
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To not tolerate any form of intimidation, bullying, or harassment, and to discipline those that breach this policy.
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To make training, development, and progression opportunities available to all persons.
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To promote equality in the workplace, which Network Vehicle Hire Ltd believes is good management practice and makes sound business sense.
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To encourage anyone who feels they have been subject to discrimination to raise their concerns so we can apply corrective measures.
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To encourage employees & contractors to treat everyone with dignity and respect.
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To regularly review all our practices and procedures so that fairness is maintained at all times.
Breaches of policy
Breaches of this anti discrimination are not tolerated in our business or workplace and all persons are required to treat each other, along with our customers, clients, suppliers, visitors, & customers of our clients with dignity and respect.
Breaches of this policy by employees of Network Vehicle Hire Ltd will be dealt with in accordance with our disciplinary procedure and cases of discrimination may amount to gross misconduct resulting in dismissal, termination of any active contract or withdrawal of any offer of contract or employment.
A breach of this policy by any contractor, agent, business or their personnel will result in immediate termination of any agreement or contract for services currently in place.
Any person who may make complaints or who participates in good faith in any investigation must not suffer any form of retaliation or victimisation as a result. However, making a false allegation deliberately and in bad faith will be treated as misconduct and dealt with as per the above.
Anyone found to have retaliated against or victimised someone in this way where applicable will be subject to disciplinary action under our disciplinary procedure or subject to the immediate termination of the contract for services.
If you believe you are being discriminated against you may wish to raise the problem informally with the person responsible. Explain the situation and how it has made you feel. It can be helpful to describe the event so the other person is clear about your concerns. Use the opportunity to ask the person to change or stop their behaviour.
Alternatively you may speak to your manager who can provide confidential advice and assistance in resolving the issue formally or informally.
If you do not feel that informal steps are appropriate, or they have been unsuccessful, you should raise the matter formally under our grievance procedure and all complaints will be investigated in accordance with our grievance procedure If we consider that there is sufficient evidence to suggest you have been harassed or bullied we will consider the appropriate action to take.
If the person accused is an employee, this may include invoking our disciplinary procedure. Whether or not your complaint is upheld, we will consider how best to manage any ongoing working relationship between you and the person concerned.
We will inform all persons employed by or engaged by Network Vehicle Hire Ltd in the provision of providing services 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.
This equality and diversity policy is fully supported by senior management and has been agreed with trade unions and/or employee representatives where applicable.
Our policy will be monitored and reviewed annually to ensure that equality and diversity is continually promoted in the workplace.
