Equality and Diversity Policy
1. Purpose
This policy sets out Monitor’s approach to equality and diversity. Monitor is committed to promoting equality and diversity and promoting a culture that actively values difference and recognises that people from different backgrounds and experiences can bring valuable insights to the workplace and enhance the way we work.
2. Equality and diversity at Monitor
At Monitor, we consider that equality means breaking down barriers, eliminating discrimination and ensuring equal opportunities and access for all groups both in employment, and to goods and services. We consider diversity to mean celebrating difference and valuing everyone. Each person is an individual with visible and non-visible differences and by respecting this everyone can feel valued for their contributions which is beneficial not only for the individual but for Monitor too.
3. Scope
The rights and obligations set out in this policy apply equally to all employees, whether part time or full time on a substantive or fixed-term contract, and also to associated persons such as secondees, agency staff, contractors and others employed under a contract of service. You have personal responsibility for the application of this policy. As part of your employee induction, you are expected to read and familiarise yourself with this policy, ensure that this policy is properly observed and fully complied with and to complete
4. Monitor’s commitment
Every employee is entitled to a working environment that promotes dignity, equality andrespect for all. Monitor will not tolerate any acts of unlawful or unfair discrimination(including harassment) committed against an employee, contractor, job applicant or visitor because of a protected characteristic:
• gender reassignment;
• marriage and civil partnership;
• pregnancy and maternity;
• race (including ethnic origin, color, nationality and national origin);
• disability;
• sexual orientation;
• religion and or belief; and
• age.
5. When does this policy apply?
This policy applies to all conduct in the workplace and also to conduct outside of the workplace that is related to your work (e.g. at meetings, social events and social interactions with colleagues) or which may impact on Monitor’s reputation (e.g. the expression of views on social media, contrary to the commitments expressed in this
policy, that could be linked to Monitor).
We set out below some specific areas of application:
a) Recruitment
Selection for employment at Monitor will be on the basis of aptitude and ability. Further detail is set out in Monitor’s Recruitment and Selection Policy. Where possible, Monitor will capture applicants’ diversity demographics as part of its recruitment processes to promote the elimination of unlawful discrimination.
b) Training
You may also be required to participate in training and development activities from time
to time, to encourage the promotion of the principles of this policy.
c) Promotion
All promotion decisions will be made on the basis of merit, and will not be influenced by any of the protected characteristics listed above. Promotion opportunities will be monitored to ensure equality of opportunity at all levels. Where appropriate, steps will be taken to identify and remove unnecessary or unjustifiable barriers to promotion.
d) During employment
The benefits, terms and conditions of employment and facilities available to Monitor
employees will be reviewed on a regular basis to ensure that access is not restricted by
unlawful means and to provide appropriate conditions to meet the special needs of
disadvantaged or under-represented groups
6. Monitor’s legal duties
As a public body, Monitor is additionally subject to public sector equality duties under the Equality Act 2010. This policy will be reviewed on an ongoing basis by Monitor to assess its effectiveness and may be amended from time to time. This policy is for guidance only and does not form part of your contract of employment.