Diversity and Equal Opportunities Policy

1.         Policy Statement

1.1       ADRg is committed to equal opportunities and the promotion of diversity.  ADRg treats all employees, members and clients fairly and creates an environment of positive working relationships which enable everyone to contribute their best.

1.2       ADRg does not tolerate practices or activities which discriminate against, or otherwise treat people unfairly on the grounds of age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, philosophical belief or religion, race or any other social or cultural grounds.

2.         Business Background

2.1       ADR Group aim to recruitment and retain highly talented people who are committed to the success of ADR Group and its delivery of mediation training and services. Promoting and supporting diversity is a fundamental aspect of our policy.

2.2       The core values which underpin this aim are:

- Results for our clients, success for our people

- Teamwork and respect for each other

3.         Principles

3.1       We will work towards best practice rather than meeting minimum statutory or regulatory compliance.

3.2       Equal opportunity and diversity issues are integrated throughout our management practices and procedures.

4          Equal Opportunities and Diversity in Practice

4.1       This policy has been developed with regard to the statutory framework and best practice. Information and guidance will be sought regularly from the Equality and Human Rights Commission, the Law Society, Ministry of Justice and other relevant organisations for best practice developments.

4.2       Recruitment and Selection processes are designed to ensure objective assessment against standard and transparent criteria. The process is managed by people trained in equal opportunities and diversity best practice. Employees adhere to this policy and receive appropriate training and guidance in fair and objective selection methods. The recruitment for employment and selection for training policies are reviewed on a regular basis.

4.3       Opportunities for training, development and career progression are open to all staff. All employees have access to a comprehensive programme of training, including job-related and professional development. All training and development needs are identified on the basis of individual skills requirements and business needs.

4.4       Opportunities to access ADR Group training courses are open to everyone implemented by means of fair and objective selection methods where required to meet professional regulatory requirements.

4.5       ADRg supports flexible working, and operates a flexible working policy, which enables all members of ADRg to apply for flexible working practices. Team managers are fully trained in the implementation of this policy and provide guidance and training to employees on the implementation of this policy in selection for training as appropriate.

4.6       Employee, member and trainee performance are assessed on the basis of objective and measurable criteria, related directly to the success of ADR Group in maintaining standards. Measures to support and tackle underperformance focus on these criteria. Managers, assessors and trainers are trained in the use of constructive feedback and performance management techniques.

4.7       Individuals are supported in bringing claims of bullying, harassment or discrimination. All claims are treated sensitively and confidentially by members of ADR Group, trained in dealing with such matters. Cases are resolved as quickly as possible. Where acts of harassment, bullying or discrimination are found to have taken place, they will be subject to disciplinary proceedings.

4.8       A positive working environment is supported through people management policies and practices and working relationships.

4.9       ADR Group staff are required to adhere to this policy and principles in all aspects of their working life, including service to clients, and relationships with clients, suppliers and others outside ADR Group.

5.         Responsibilities

5.1        ADR Group has a responsibility to all members, clients and employees of ADR Group to ensure that they are treated fairly and not discriminated against on grounds of age, disability, gender, philosophical or religious belief, race or sexual orientation.

5.2        Managers will communicate with their teams the requirements of this policy. They will create positive working relationships and a culture of teamwork and respect within their teams. They will ensure that all members of their teams act professionally and appropriately.

5.3        All members of ADR Group have an individual responsibility to ensure that they adhere to the policy and the spirit of equality and diversity. Employees are encouraged to come forward and raise, in confidence, any concerns they have about behaviours or practices they have witnessed or experienced which are contrary to this policy.

5.4        ADR Group will maintain this and associated policies, monitor the implementation and impact and perform regular reviews in order to keep up to date with the statutory framework and best practice developments.

6.         Communication and Awareness

6.1       This policy is published on the Intranet and is accessible to all staff. In addition, the policy is available externally to consultants, member’s clients, suppliers and other interested parties via the internet.

6.2       At induction, new members of ADR Group receive training on ADR Group’s commitment to equality and diversity, their responsibilities and rights.

6.3       Individuals who are in breach of this or associated policies and working practices will receive appropriate awareness training and counselling, in addition to any disciplinary sanctions which may be imposed.

7.         Monitoring and Review

7.1       Feedback on equality and diversity issues is collected directly from staff to enable us to assess the effectiveness of our policies and procedures.