Equality, diversity and inclusion policy

Answer is committed to encouraging equality, diversity and inclusion among our workforce, and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative of all sections of society and our customers, and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. Answer – in providing goods and/or services and/or facilities – is also committed against unlawful discrimination of customers or the public.

The policy’s purpose is to:

  • provide equality, fairness and respect for all in our employment, whether temporary, part-time or full-time.
  • not unlawfully discriminate because of the Equality Act 2010 protected characteristics of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race (including colour, nationality, and ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.
  • oppose and avoid all forms of unlawful discrimination. This includes in pay and benefits, terms and conditions of employment, dealing with grievances and discipline, dismissal, redundancy, leave for parents, requests for flexible working, and selection for employment, promotion, training or other developmental opportunities.

The organisation commits to:

  • Encourage equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace as they are good practice and make business sense.
  • Create a working environment free of bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination, promoting dignity and respect for all, and where individual differences and the contributions of all staff are recognised and valued.
  • This commitment includes all other employees about their rights and responsibilities under the equality, diversity and inclusion policy. Responsibilities include staff conducting themselves to help Answer provide equal opportunities in employment, and prevent bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination.
  • All staff should understand they, as well as their employer, can be held liable for acts of bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination, in the course of their employment, against fellow employees, customers, suppliers and the public.
  • Take seriously complaints of bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination by fellow employees, customers, suppliers, visitors, the public and any others in the course of the organisation’s work activities.
  • Such acts will be dealt with as misconduct under the organisation’s grievance and/or disciplinary procedures, and appropriate action will be taken. Particularly serious complaints could amount to gross misconduct and lead to dismissal without notice.
  • Further, sexual harassment may amount to both an employment rights matter and a criminal matter, such as in sexual assault allegations. In addition, harassment under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 – which is not limited to circumstances where harassment relates to a protected characteristic – is a criminal offence.
  • Make opportunities for training, development and progress available to all staff, who will be helped and encouraged to develop their full potential, so their talents and resources can be fully utilised to maximise the efficiency of the organisation.
  • Decisions concerning staff being based on merit (apart from in any necessary and limited exemptions and exceptions allowed under the Equality Act).
  • Review employment practices and procedures when necessary to ensure fairness, and also update them and the policy to take account of changes in the law.
  • Monitor the make-up of the workforce regarding information such as age, sex, ethnic background, sexual orientation, religion or belief, and disability in encouraging equality, diversity and inclusion, and in meeting the aims and commitments set out in the equality, diversity and inclusion policy.
  • Monitoring will also include assessing how the equality, diversity and inclusion policy, and any supporting action plan, are working in practice, reviewing them annually, and considering and taking action to address any issues.

Answer approaches inequality in our workforce in an two-staged way:

  1. we have our corporate position as laid out in this statement
  2. we strive to create specific policies and approaches to tackling inequalities with our customers. In this * we are committed to working with customers on developing a joint strategy and approach to ensure respective policies can be complementary, leaning on the strengths of both organisations to ensure a robust plan to enhance a specific contract. If we were working with an NHS customer for example, examples of this include publishing roles through NHS Jobs, aligning rate cards with agenda for change pay rates, ensuring equality and diversity is part of the interview process, and more.

The equality, diversity and inclusion policy is fully supported by senior management. This policy is communicated to all employees and organisations working for or on our behalf. Employees and other organisations are expected to co-operate and assist in the implementation of this policy, whilst ensuring that their own work, so far as is reasonably practicable, is carried out without risk to themselves, others, or the environment.

Answer fully accepts its responsibility to implement this policy in all its business activities by adopting best practice industry standards and guidelines. The policy will be reviewed annually and where deemed necessary will be amended and re-issued. Our full policy is available to interested parties, upon reasonable request.

All persons working with or for Answer will receive full support to ensure the policy is fully understood, implemented, and maintained. It is Answer’s responsibility to ensure the policy is implemented correctly and its effectiveness is maintained through monitoring, control, audit, and review.

Gary Parlett – Managing Director, Answer