The Newlands Group and Care Matters Homecare are committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion throughout our organisation. We aim to prevent all forms of unlawful discrimination and create a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected.
We want our workforce to reflect the diverse communities we serve. Every employee should feel supported, respected and able to reach their full potential.
We also believe everyone deserves fair and equal treatment when accessing our services. Therefore, we work hard to make sure our customers and members of the public receive the same respect and consideration.
This policy explains how we promote equality, fairness and respect throughout our organisation.
We aim to:
We believe equality, diversity and inclusion create a positive working environment. They also help us provide better services to the people we support.
To achieve this, we make the following commitments.
We actively encourage equality, diversity and inclusion throughout our workplace. We recognise the value of different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. As a result, we aim to create an environment where everyone feels welcome and included.
We work hard to create a workplace free from bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination.
Everyone deserves dignity and respect. We also recognise and value the individual differences and contributions of our employees.
To support this commitment, we provide training to managers and staff. This helps everyone understand their rights and responsibilities under this policy.
We expect all employees to behave appropriately and support equal opportunities. Everyone also has a responsibility to help prevent bullying, harassment, victimisation and discrimination.
Employees should understand that both individuals and the organisation may be held legally responsible for unlawful behaviour during employment. This includes actions involving colleagues, customers, suppliers and members of the public.
We take complaints of bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination seriously. This includes concerns raised by employees, customers, suppliers, visitors and members of the public.
We investigate concerns in line with our grievance and disciplinary procedures. Where necessary, we take appropriate action.
In particularly serious cases, misconduct may amount to gross misconduct. This could lead to dismissal without notice.
We also recognise that sexual harassment can have serious consequences. Depending on the circumstances, it may involve employment rights and criminal law, including allegations of sexual assault.
Furthermore, the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 covers harassment beyond situations involving protected characteristics.
We want every employee to have the opportunity to develop their skills and reach their full potential.
Therefore, we encourage all staff to take part in suitable training and development opportunities. We also aim to make progression opportunities available fairly, so everyone can make the most of their skills and abilities.
We base employment decisions on individual merit, skills and suitability.
However, we recognise that the Equality Act 2010 allows certain limited exemptions and exceptions. Where applicable, we follow the relevant legal requirements.
We regularly review our employment practices and procedures to make sure they remain fair and appropriate.
We also update this policy when necessary to reflect changes in legislation. This helps us maintain good practice and meet our legal responsibilities.
We monitor the diversity of our workforce to help us understand how well we promote equality and inclusion.
This may include information about age, sex, ethnic background, sexual orientation, religion or belief, and disability.
In addition, we review how effectively this policy and any supporting action plans work in practice. We carry out an annual review and take action where we identify areas for improvement.
Our senior management team fully supports this Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy.
We have shared the policy with employees across the group of companies. We expect everyone to understand its principles and follow them in their day-to-day work.
Together, we can create a workplace where everyone feels respected, valued and included.
