Equal Opportunities Policy

Policy Statement

Here at BDG Solicitors  we recognise that discrimination based on certain criteria still exists in today’s society.

We, however, believe that everyone should be entitled to equal rights and have equal opportunities to receive education, to work, receive services and participate freely within society.

BDG Solicitors  are committed to ensuring we deliver equal opportunities within the firm. We do this by the way in which we manage the organization and provide services to the public. We are constantly updating our policies and developing the firm in ways that are conductive to the principles of fairness and equality in the workplace.

Our aim, and the definitive objective of this policy is to ensure that no person, either employee or client, suffers discrimination on the grounds of gender, race, colour, nationality, ethnic origin, religious or philosophical beliefs, health status, HIV status, age, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, political beliefs or trade union membership, class, responsibility for dependents, physical attributes, ex-offender status as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, lack of formal qualifications where such qualifications are not formally required, or any other grounds which cannot be shown to be justifiable within the context of this policy.

This policy applies to every aspect of this company’s dealings with employees, clients, third parties or any other person we may come in to contact with and all employees are advised to abide by this policy both during working hours and outside of working hours.

All staff are committed to promoting equal opportunities and will ensure people are treated
equally whether they are:

(a) Seeking use of our services
(b) Applying for an employment position with us or are already employed by us
(c) Students, undertaking work experience or training
(d) Volunteers
(e) Third party contractor

Who is responsible for this policy and how it is implemented

The managing partners of this firm are responsible for ensuring all employees abide by this policy. We expect all employees to be familiar with the policy and to ensure, as above, every person is treated fairly.

In order to implement this policy we;

(a)
Ensure all employees, job applicants, trainees, work experience staff and any other person who may represent BDG are provided with a copy of this policy

(b)
Ensure all staff follow procedures to ensure this policy is implemented in to job descriptions and work objectives

(c)
Ensure that staff dealing with recruitment are fully trained in equal opportunity law and ensure they are trained in non-discriminatory techniques

Conduct and general standard of behaviour

Every employee is required to conduct themselves in a professional and considerate manner towards all persons at all times. The following behaviours will not be tolerated at BDG Solicitors:

(a) Threats
(b) Physical violence
(c) Shouting or swearing at others
(d) Persistent rudeness
(e) Ignoring, isolating or refusing to work with certain people
(f) Being offensive to include jokes or name calling
(g) Displaying offensive material
(h) Harassment or victimisation

Should any employee be found to act any of the above, immediate disciplinary action will be
taken.