Diversity and equal opportunities
Equality & Diversity Policy
Statement of Policy
The aim of this policy is to communicate the commitment of the Firm to the promotion of equality of opportunity within Edwin Coe.
It is our policy to ensure that all job applicants and employees receive fair treatment regardless of their gender, sexual orientation, race, nationality, ethnic and national origin, disability, age, trade union membership, religious beliefs, work location and working hours. We do this by adhering to all equal opportunities legislation and ensuring that we are fair, objective, transparent and free from discrimination in all of our systems, processes, procedures, activities and decisions.
We are opposed to all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination. All job applicants, employees and others who work for us will be treated fairly and will not be discriminated against on any of the above grounds. Decisions about recruitment and selection, promotion, training or any other benefit will be made objectively and without unlawful discrimination.
We recognise that the provision of equal opportunities in the workplace is not only good management practice; it also makes sound business sense. Our equal opportunities policy will help all those who work for us to develop their potential and the talents and resources of the workforce will be utilised fully to maximise the efficiency of the Firm.
To Whom Does the Policy Apply?
Equal Opportunity policy applies to all those who work for (or apply to work for) Edwin Coe LLP:
- Job Applicants and Potential applicants
- Employees
- Contract workers
- Agency workers
- Trainee workers and students on work experience or placements
- Volunteer employees
- Former employees
Commitments
HR has overall responsibility for ensuring the correct application and implementation of the policy.
All partners have a responsibility to:
- Ensure the non‐discriminatory treatment of all job applicants and employees and promote equality of opportunity.
- Identify and remove discriminatory attitudes and practices within the firm.
- Raise the level of employees’ awareness of the policy’s existence.
- Deal fairly and speedily with any discriminatory issue raised in the course of employment.
- Support and contribute to the monitoring and review process.
- Be aware of the diverse needs of employees and support them appropriately.
All employees have a responsibility to:
- Comply with this policy and continue to ensure that the principles of equal opportunities and diversity in the workplace are upheld.
- Treat colleagues and stakeholders with dignity and respect.
- Have due regard to equal opportunities in the work they do and decisions they make. Promote diversity in the workplace.
Legislative Basis
The acts listed below set out the legal basis of equal opportunities. They also provide for rights of appeal and sanctions to be invoked where discrimination is proved. The relevant acts are:
- Sex Discrimination Act 1975
- Race Relations Act 1976 and 2000 as amended
- Disability Discrimination Act 1995
- Employment Equality (Age) Regulations 2006 Part‐time Workers
(Prevention of less Favourable Treatment) Regulations 2
- Equal Pay Act 1970
- Data Protection Act 1998
- Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1994
- The Asylum and Immigration Act 1996
Implementation
HR has specific responsibility for the effective implementation of this policy. Each partner, fee earner and business support staff also has responsibilities and we expect all our employees to abide by the policy and help create the equality environment which is its objective.
In order to ensure this policy is disseminated and adhered to, we shall:
- Communicate the policy to employees, job applicants, and contract or agency workers.
- Incorporate specific and appropriate duties in respect of implementing the equal opportunities policy into job descriptions and work objectives of all staff.
- Provide equality training and guidance as appropriate, including training during induction and management courses.
- Ensure that those who are involved in assessing candidates for recruitment or promotion are trained in non‐discriminatory selection techniques.
- Incorporate equal opportunities notices into general communications practices, (e.g. Induction programmes, staff newsletters, and intranet).
- Obtain commitments from other persons or organisations such as subcontractors or agencies that they too will comply with the policy in their dealings with our Firm and our workforce.
- A diverse workplace is promoted and celebrated through our policies and how we operate.
- Ensure that adequate resources are made available to fulfil the objectives of the policy.
Monitoring and Review
We shall establish appropriate information and monitoring systems to assist the effective implementation of our equal opportunities policy. The effectiveness of our equality and diversity policy will be reviewed regularly and will be updated in accordance with new legislation introduced which needs to be reflected in the policy.
