Introduction

We are an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to equality of opportunity and to providing a service and following practices which are free from unfair and unlawful discrimination. The aim of this policy is to ensure that no applicant or member of staff receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation, or is disadvantaged by conditions or requirements which cannot be shown to be relevant to performance. It also seeks to ensure that no person is victimised or subjected to any form of bullying or harassment.

We value people as individuals with diverse opinions, cultures, lifestyles and circumstances. All employees are covered by this policy, and it applies to all areas of employment including recruitment, selection, training, deployment, career development and promotion. These areas are monitored and policies and practices amended if necessary to ensure that no unfair or unlawful discrimination exists.

The Directors have responsibility for implementing and monitoring the Equality and Diversity Policy. All personnel policies and procedures are administered with the objective of promoting equality of opportunity and eliminating unfair or unlawful discrimination.

All employees, workers or self‑employed contractors, whether part‑time, full‑time or temporary, will be treated fairly and with respect. Selection for employment, promotion, training or any other benefit will be based on aptitude and ability. All employees will be helped and encouraged to develop their full potential and the talents and resources of the workforce will be fully utilised.

Equality of opportunity, valuing diversity and compliance with the law benefits all individuals in our company. While managers and supervisors hold responsibility for eliminating discrimination, individuals at all levels must treat others with dignity and respect. The personal commitment of every employee to this policy is essential.

Our Commitment as an Employer

Commercial Roofing & Cladding Ltd is committed to:

• Creating an environment in which individual differences and contributions are recognised and valued
• Entitling every employee, worker or contractor to a working environment that promotes dignity and respect
• Providing training, development and progression opportunities to all staff
• Understanding that equality in the workplace is good management practice and makes sound business sense
• Reviewing all employment practices and procedures to ensure fairness

Our Commitment as a Service Provider

Commercial Roofing & Cladding Ltd is committed to:

• Providing services to which all clients are entitled regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, offending past, caring responsibilities or social class
• Ensuring services are delivered equally and meet the diverse needs of clients
• Fully supporting this policy through senior management
• Selecting individuals for employment, promotion, training or benefits based purely on aptitude and ability
• Monitoring and reviewing this policy annually
• Providing clear procedures for grievances or complaints relating to unfair treatment
• Treating breaches of this policy as misconduct
• Encouraging staff to come forward with issues requiring company support, including domestic abuse or caring commitments

Equal Opportunity Areas

Age

We will:

• Ensure people of all ages are treated with respect and dignity
• Ensure people of working age have equal access to employment, training, development and promotion
• Challenge discriminatory assumptions about younger and older people

Disability

We will:

• Provide reasonable adjustments to ensure disabled people have access to services and employment
• Challenge discriminatory assumptions
• Improve access to information through loop systems, braille, alternative formats and sign language interpretation

Race

We will:

• Challenge racism wherever it occurs
• Respond swiftly and sensitively to racist incidents
• Actively promote race equality

Gender

We will:

• Challenge discriminatory assumptions about all genders
• Take positive action to redress negative effects of discrimination
• Offer equal access to representation, services, employment, training and pay

Gender Reassignment

We will:

• Provide support to prevent discrimination against trans individuals
• Prohibit and respond to all instances of discrimination

Sexual Orientation

We will:

• Ensure we take account of the needs of LGBTQIA+ individuals
• Promote positive images of LGBTQIA+ people

Religion or Belief

We will:

• Respect and accommodate employees’ religion or beliefs wherever possible
• Respect beliefs where expression does not impinge on others’ rights

Pregnancy or Maternity

We will:

• Ensure people are treated with respect and dignity
• Challenge discriminatory assumptions
• Ensure no individual is disadvantaged due to pregnancy or maternity

Marriage or Civil Partnership

We will:

• Ensure people are treated with respect and dignity
• Challenge discriminatory assumptions
• Ensure no individual is disadvantaged due to marriage or civil partnership

Ex‑Offenders

We will:

• Prevent discrimination regardless of offending background (except where risk to children or vulnerable adults exists)

Equal Pay

We will:

• Ensure all employees have the right to the same contractual pay and benefits for equal work

Unconscious Bias

Commercial Roofing & Cladding Ltd recognises the dangers of unconscious bias. We will work against it in all employment decisions, including recruitment, promotion and training.

We will implement:

• Diverse decision making panels
• Recruitment decisions based on specific job criteria
• Collective decision making between HR and management

This policy will be reviewed at regular intervals to ensure that it continues to be effective and meet customer expectations.

Last review of this Policy: 9th October 2026