Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at Cross 8

Cross 8 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 for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best.

Cross 8 is also committed against unlawful discrimination of our customers or the public when we provide services.

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

Cross 8 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 and contractors are recognised and valued. It is the responsibility of all staff and contractors to conduct themselves in such a way that they help the organisation provide equal opportunities in employment, and prevent bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination.All staff and contractors should understand they, as well as Cross 8, 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 Cross 8’s work activities.Such acts will be dealt with as misconduct by Cross 8, and appropriate action will be taken. Particularly serious complaints could amount to gross misconduct and lead to dismissal without notice / termination of contract.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.
• Review employment practices and procedures when necessary to ensure fairness, and 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.