Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Policy

At Veteris, we are passionate about fostering equality, diversity, and inclusion 🌟 in our workforce and ensuring we eliminate unlawful discrimination.

Our vision is to build a team that truly represents all sections of society and our valued customers. We want every employee to feel respected, empowered, and able to give their very best.

We are equally dedicated to upholding these principles when providing goods, services, or facilities, ensuring we stand firmly against any form of unlawful discrimination.

📜 Purpose of This Policy

This policy aims to:

1️⃣ Promote fairness and respect in all employment types, whether temporary, part-time, or full-time.

2️⃣ Ensure compliance with the Equality Act 2010, covering protected characteristics:

• 🧓 Age
• ♿ Disability
• 🏳️‍⚧️ Gender reassignment
• 💍 Marriage and civil partnership
• 🤰 Pregnancy and maternity
• 🌍 Race (including color, nationality, ethnic or national origin)
• 🙏 Religion or belief
• 🚻 Sex
• 🏳️‍🌈 Sexual orientation

3️⃣ Actively oppose all forms of unlawful discrimination in:

• Pay and benefits
• Terms and conditions
• Handling grievances and discipline
• Dismissal and redundancy
• Parental leave and flexible working requests
• Employment opportunities, promotions, and training

🤝 Our Commitments

Veteris pledges to:

1️⃣ Encourage equality, diversity, and inclusion because it’s good for people 💛 and great for business 📈.

2️⃣ Create a workplace that is free from bullying, harassment, victimisation, and discrimination, promoting dignity and respect for everyone 🤗.

• Managers and employees will receive training to understand their responsibilities and prevent any form of discrimination or harassment.
• Everyone is accountable for fostering an inclusive environment, protecting their peers, and ensuring fair treatment for customers, suppliers, and the public.

3️⃣ Treat all complaints of misconduct – including bullying, harassment, and victimisation – seriously and address them promptly under our grievance or disciplinary procedures.

• Severe cases may result in dismissal or have criminal implications, including under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997.

4️⃣ Promote growth by offering equal access to training, development, and progression opportunities, ensuring everyone can achieve their full potential 🌱.

5️⃣ Base all decisions on merit (unless permitted exemptions apply under the Equality Act).

6️⃣ Regularly review policies and practices to maintain fairness, adapting them as laws and societal needs evolve 🔄.

7️⃣ Monitor workforce diversity across key demographics (e.g., age, gender, ethnicity) to ensure progress toward inclusivity 📊.

📌 Policy Agreement

This policy is fully supported by senior management 🏢 and has been agreed upon in partnership with trade unions and employee representatives.

📚 Grievance and Disciplinary Procedures

For details on how to raise a concern or grievance, refer to our Grievance Procedure.

Remember, using internal procedures doesn’t affect your right to file a claim with an employment tribunal within three months of any alleged discrimination.