policy statements

Simmonds-Jones Consulting Ltd., UK Reg no.13799386 (Families West, the Company, We) strive to achieve best practices in health, safety and welfare, equal opportunities and ecologically sustainable business operations, as explicitly defined in the following policy statements.

Scope of the policies:

Our policies apply to all those who work for (or apply to work for) the organisation, including contract and agency workers, trainee workers and students on work experience or placements, volunteer workers and former employees.

equal opportunities

The aim of this policy is to set out the commitment of Families West to promoting equality of opportunity in all of our business operations.

It is our policy to provide equality to all, irrespective of gender (including gender reassignment), marital or civil partnership status, religious belief or political opinion, race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins), disability, sexual orientation or age.

We are opposed to all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination.  All employees and others who work for us will be treated fairly and will not be discriminated against on any of the above grounds.  Decisions about selection, promotion, training or any other benefit will be made objectively and without unlawful discrimination.

Our equal opportunities policy will help all those who work for us to develop their full potential and maximise the efficiency of the organisation.

Equality commitments:

We are committed to:

• Promoting equality of opportunity for all persons.
• Promoting a good and harmonious working environment in which all persons are treated with respect.
• Preventing occurrences of unlawful direct discrimination, indirect discrimination, harassment and victimisation.
• Fulfilling all our legal obligations under the equality legislation and associated codes of practice.
• Complying with our own equal opportunities and associated policies.
• Taking lawful affirmative or positive action, where appropriate.
• Regarding all breaches of equal opportunities policy as misconduct, which could lead to disciplinary proceedings.

Implementation:

This policy is fully supported by senior management and the Directors have specific responsibility for its effective implementation.

In order to implement this policy we shall:

• Communicate the policy to all those within its scope.
• Incorporate specific and appropriate duties in respect of job descriptions and work objectives of all those within its scope.
• Provide equality training and guidance as appropriate.
• Ensure that adequate resources are made available to fulfil the objectives of the policy.

Monitoring and review:

We will establish appropriate monitoring systems to assist in the implementation of our equal opportunities policy, review its effectiveness regularly and take action as necessary.

Complaints procedure:

Anyone who believes that they have suffered any form of discrimination, harassment or victimisation are entitled to raise the matter through the agreed procedures.

• All complaints of discrimination will be dealt with seriously, promptly and confidentially.
• Every effort will be made to ensure that complainants will not be victimised.
• Any complaint of victimisation will be dealt with seriously, promptly and confidentially.
• Victimisation will result in disciplinary action and may warrant dismissal.

environmental sustainability

The aim of this policy is to set out a commitment to the rigorous review of our environmental performance and the use of sustainable natural resources.

It is Families West's policy to:
• Comply with all environmental legislation and regulations that cover our activities and services.
• Measure the environmental impact of its operations.
• Strive for continual improvement in performance.
• Ensure that all those who fall within the scope of these policies are trained and understand their role in minimising the environmental impact of our activities.
• Meet or exceed environmental best practice guidelines for the sector.

health & safety

We recognise that health and safety supports good business performance and will, therefore, receive equal priority to that of all other business objectives.  The aim of this policy is to commit Families West to best practice in health and safety.  All those who fall into the scope of these policies will be expected to help the Company to achieve its legal obligations.

It is Company policy to:
• Comply with all health and safety legislation which cover its activities and products.
• Ensure the health, safety and welfare of its employees by a detailed review of hazards.
• Provide and maintain safe fixtures and equipment.
• Prevent accidents and cases of work-related ill health.
• Provide training, instruction and information necessary to enable safe working practice in all areas.
• Make provision for all those who fall into the scope of these policies to raise health and safety issues.
• Strive for continual improvement to ensure that the working environment is made progressively safer.