Equality, Diversity and Dignity at Work

a.    Valuing Equality and Diversity

i)              Statement

 Pinnacle Solutions is committed to valuing equality and diversity and seeks to provide all staff with the opportunity for employment, career and personal development on the basis of ability, qualifications and suitability for the work as well as their potential to be developed into the job.

 We believe that people from different backgrounds can bring fresh ideas, thinking and approaches which make the way work is undertaken more effective and efficient.

 The Company will not tolerate direct or indirect discrimination against any person on grounds of age, disability, gender / gender reassignment, marriage / civil partnership, pregnancy / maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation whether in the field of recruitment, terms and conditions of employment, career progression, training, transfer or dismissal.

 It is also the responsibility of all staff in their daily actions, decisions and behaviour to endeavour to promote these concepts, to comply with all relevant legislation and to ensure that they do not discriminate against colleagues, customers, suppliers or any other person associated with the Company.

 Pinnacle Solutions will coach all staff on ‘Valuing Equality and Diversity’ on induction to the Company. An annual reminder and any necessary re-coaching will be implemented during their PDP.

ii)             Key Actions

In adopting these principles Pinnacle Solutions:

1.         Will not tolerate acts that breach this policy and all such breaches or alleged breaches will be taken seriously, be fully investigated and may be subject to disciplinary action where appropriate.

2.         Recognise’s its legal obligations under all relevant legislation and codes of practice.

3.         Will allow staff to pursue any matter through the internal procedures which they believe has exposed them to inequitable treatment within the scope of this policy.

4.         Will ensure that all managers understand and maintain their responsibilities and those of their team under this policy.

5.         Will provide equal opportunity to all who apply for vacancies through open competition. 

6.         Will select candidates only on the basis of their ability to carry out the job, using a clear and open process.

7.         Will provide all employees with the training and development that they need to carry out their job effectively.

8.         Will provide all reasonable assistance to employees who are or who become disabled, making reasonable adjustments wherever possible to provide continued employment.

9.         Will ensure an appropriate risk assessment is carried out and that appropriate specialist advice is obtained when necessary.

10.      Will ensure this policy is adhered to when working at our customers premises and/or training their people

11.      Will ensure this policy is adhered to when working with all apprentices

12.      Will ensure all changes or updates to this policy are communicated to all employees via email.

b.    Dignity at Work

i)              Statement

The Company believes that the working environment should at all times be supportive of the dignity and respect of individuals. If a complaint of harassment is brought to the attention of management, it will be investigated promptly and appropriate action will be taken.

ii)             What and How of Harassment

Harassment can be defined as conduct, which is unwanted and offensive and affects the dignity of an individual or group of individuals.

Sexual harassment is defined as “unwanted conduct of a sexual nature, or other conduct based on sex, affecting the dignity of women and men at work”.  This can include unwelcome physical, verbal or non-verbal conduct. 

People can be subject to harassment on a wide variety of grounds including:

  • race, ethnic origin, nationality or skin colour

  • sex or sexual orientation

  • religious or political convictions

  • willingness to challenge harassment, leading to victimisation

  • disabilities, sensory impairments or learning difficulties

  • status as ex-offenders

  • age

  • real or suspected infection with a blood borne virus (e.g. AIDS/HIV)

  • membership of a trade union or activities associated with membership 

Forms may include:

  • physical contact ranging from touching to serious assault

  • verbal and written harassment through jokes, offensive language, gossip and slander, sectarian songs, letters and so on

  • visual display of posters, graffiti, obscene gestures, flags and emblems

  • isolation or non-cooperation at work, exclusion from social activities

  • coercion ranging from pressure for sexual favours to pressure to participate in political/religious groups

  • intrusion by pestering, spying, following someone

  • bullying 

iii)           What should I do if subject to Harassment?

If you feel you are being harassed you are strongly encouraged to seek early advice/support from your line manager. If you feel your line manager is harassing you, then you should contact his / her immediate line manager.

You should also keep a written record detailing the incidents of harassment and any requests made to the harasser to stop.  This written record should be made as soon as possible after the events giving rise to concern and should include dates, times, places and the circumstances of what happened.

This policy is available to all customers. Complaints from customer employees can be made in accordance with the companies ‘Complaints Policy’