Equality | Equal Opportunities | Discrimination & Harassment Policy

1. Policy Statement
Connect Media (Sussex) Ltd, a small UK-based print and design organisation, is committed to promoting equality, ensuring equal opportunities, and preventing discrimination and harassment in our workplace. We value diversity and aim to create an inclusive environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their background or characteristics.

This policy applies to all employees, contractors, job applicants, and visitors, and aligns with the Equality Act 2010. We do not tolerate discrimination, harassment, or victimisation based on any protected characteristics, which include but are not limited to: 

• Age

• Disability

• Marriage and civil partnership

• Pregnancy and maternity

• Race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin)

• Religion or belief

• Sex

• Sexual orientation

• Gender reassignment 

  Lee Jones | Director - 23 June 2023

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2. Our Commitments

2.1.  Equal Opportunities:

• We ensure fairness in recruitment, training, promotion, and all employment practices, based on merit and ability, not protected characteristics.

• Job applicants and employees will not face disadvantage due to any protected characteristic.

2.2.  Non-Discrimination:

• We prohibit discrimination (direct or indirect), whether intentional or unintentional, in all workplace activities, including pay, conditions, and interactions.

• Examples include not excluding someone from a role due to age or denying training based on gender.

2.3.  Harassment-Free Workplace:

• Harassment, including bullying, unwanted conduct, or comments related to protected characteristics, is unacceptable. This covers verbal, physical, or written behaviour (e.g., offensive jokes, exclusion, or intimidation).

• Sexual harassment, such as unwelcome advances or remarks, is explicitly forbidden.

2.4.  Support for Diversity:

• We welcome and support employees with diverse needs (e.g., reasonable adjustments for disabilities, flexible hours for parents).

• We encourage an open culture where differences are respected.   

3. Responsibilities

3.1.  Operations Manager:

• Leads by example, ensuring this policy is implemented and monitored.

• Handles complaints fairly and promptly.

3.2.  All Employees:

• Follow this policy, treating colleagues and others respectfully.

• Report any discrimination, harassment, or concerns to the Operations Manager: sam@connectmedia.uk

3.3.  Managers and Senior Leadership Team:

• Promote equality in team decisions and address issues immediately.

4. Procedures

4.1.  Recruitment:

• Job adverts and selection processes are free from bias, focusing on skills and qualifications.

• We accommodate reasonable adjustments (e.g., accessible interviews) for applicants with disabilities.

4.2.  Training and Awareness:

• All staff receive basic equality training during induction, with refreshers as needed.

• We promote understanding of this policy and the Equality Act 2010.

4.3.  Complaints Process:

• If you experience or witness discrimination, harassment, or unfair treatment:

1. Report it informally to the Operations Manager for resolution, if comfortable.

2. If unresolved or serious, submit a formal written complaint to Lee Jones (Director): lee@connectmedia.uk

• We investigate complaints confidentially, fairly, and within 14 days, taking disciplinary action if needed (up to dismissal for gross misconduct).

• Retaliation against complainants (victimisation) is prohibited.

4.4.  Reasonable Adjustments:

• Employees with disabilities can request adjustments (e.g., ergonomic chairs, screen readers) by speaking to the Operations Manager: sam@connectmedia.uk

• We assess and implement these where practical and legally required. 
  

  5.  Examples of Unacceptable Behaviour

• Making derogatory comments about someone’s race, religion, or sexual orientation.

• Excluding a pregnant employee from opportunities.

• Persistent teasing or ‘banter’ that offends based on a protected characteristic.

• Unwelcome physical contact or advances.

7. Document Review & Revision

This policy will be reviewed every 12 months or upon significant changes in legislation, business environment, or policy implementation. 

This policy is issued on a version controlled basis.

Policy review will be undertaken by the Operations Manager.

We welcome staff feedback to improve our approach to equality and inclusion.

Contact Us:
For questions or to report concerns, contact: 

Health and Safety Representative
Lee@connectmedia.uk
0330 118 0068