Company Equal Opportunities Policy and Strategy

1. Introduction

1.1 This document sets out:

• Europartnership UK Limited policy statement
• Europartnership’s strategy for achieving the policy aims

in the field of equal opportunity in council employment and service delivery.

1.2 Europartnership is committed to equal opportunities and in every aspects of our work and influence. We will strive to achieve a sustainable and demonstrable performance in this area.

1.3 Europartnership’s commitment to equal opportunities is a fundamental part of the company’s Core Values:

• Continuous High Quality Delivery to our customers;
• Caring for our stakeholders – the communities, families and individuals that we interact with;
• Valuing our Employees;
• Equality of Opportunity in every aspect of our work;
• Sustainable environmental solutions.

2. Equal Opportunity Policy Statement

2.1 Every individual with whom we interact has the right to be treated with dignity and respect. Europartnership recognises all forms of personal discrimination including harassment and bullying as a serious matter. All individuals have the right to have their concerns pursued with equal attention and priority.

3. Scope

3.1 For the purposes of this document the statements apply to discrimination against people on any unjustifiable grounds, including the following examples:

• gender or marital status;
• racial or ethnic grouping;
• disability;
• age;
• nationality;
• sexual orientation;
• gender reassignment;
• religion or spiritual beliefs;
• responsibility for dependants;
• trades union activities;
• alternative lifestyles;
• prior offences - where the offences committed are irrelevant;
• HIV status or other irrelevant medical issues;
• illegitimacy.

3.2 "Direct discrimination" shall mean treating a person less favourable than others are or would be treated in the same circumstances.

3.3 "Indirect discrimination" shall mean: applying in any circumstances a requirement or condition, which, intentionally or not, has a disproportionately and unjustifiably adverse effect on a particular group or individual.

4. Equal Opportunities Policy Statement

4.1 Europartnership is committed to a policy of equal opportunity in employment, trading, training and delivery of our goods and services to customers.

4.2 The aim of the policy is to ensure that no employee, potential employee, customer, supplier or business partner receives less favourable treatment or is disadvantaged by any form of direct or indirect discrimination. This applies to every aspect of our business and contact that is made. Equally it applies to all aspects of employment, including: conditions of service; recruitment; promotion; training; and selection for redundancy.

4.3 Every employee has a personal responsibility for the practical application of this policy in their day-to-day interactions with colleagues, business partners and customers.

4.4 In the employment field, selection criteria and procedures will be consistent with ensuring that individuals are selected, promoted, trained, and in all respects treated solely on the basis of their relevant merits and abilities.

4.5 Overall responsibility for this policy rests with Directors and ultimately the CEO.

4.6 The CEO will be responsible for the investigation of complaints.

John Shuttleworth
CEO
For and on behalf of the Board of Europartnership UK Limited