Bnode. Digital done right.

Bnode Ltd is committed to developing, maintaining and encouraging equality, diversity and inclusion among our workforce, and eliminating unlawful discrimination.

We recognise that people with different backgrounds, skills, attitudes and experiences bring fresh ideas and perceptions and we will encourage and harness these differences to make our company more relevant and approachable  for our workforce to be truly representative of all sections of society and our customers, and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best.

We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to ensuring that the terms and conditions of employment for existing and potential employees are equitable and non-discriminatory. This means that job applicants, employees, suppliers and clients will be treated fairly irrespective of any of the ‘Protected Characteristics’ as defined by the Equality Act 2010.

This policy’s purpose is to:

1. Provide equality, fairness and respect for all in our employment, whether temporary, part-time or full-time.

2. Not unlawfully discriminate because of the Equality Act 2010 protected characteristics of:

• age
• disability
• gender reassignment
• marriage and civil partnership
• pregnancy and maternity
• race (including colour, nationality, and ethnic or national origin)
• religion or belief
• sex
• sexual orientation

3. Oppose and avoid all forms of unlawful discrimination. This includes in:

• pay and benefits
• terms and conditions of employment
• dealing with grievances and discipline
• dismissal
• redundancy
• leave for parents
• requests for flexible working
• selection for employment, promotion, training or other development opportunities

The organisation will treat seriously all complaints made under this policy.

Any employee may use the grievance procedure to complain about discriminatory conduct. The complaint will be taken seriously, thoroughly investigated and considered based on the facts of the investigation. No individual will be penalised for raising such a grievance unless it is found to be patently untrue and made in bad faith. If the matter relates to harassment or bullying of any kind the anti-harassment and bullying procedure should be followed.

Any employee who discriminates against any other employee or client because of a protected characteristic will be subject to our disciplinary procedure as set out in the grievance and disciplinary policy. In serious cases where such behaviour has been deemed to constitute gross misconduct it will result in summary dismissal in the absence of mitigating circumstances. This statement should be read in conjunction with the anti-harassment and bullying procedure set out in this policy.

We recognise that our employees, officers, stakeholders, and sub–contractors are in turn entitled to respect for their rights.  We will not tolerate discriminatory action against anybody employed by us or acting on our behalf.  We therefore require you to notify your line manager in the event of inappropriate words, actions, or behaviour by any client or user of our services.

In the event of a complaint arising, your line manager will advise as to the action to be taken.  In emergency situations where advice of authority is not available, you are to act as you think right in the circumstances.  If that includes the termination of our services or terminating an activity such as a training course then you are authorised to take such steps.

All employees and job applicants may be asked to complete a form providing information regarding their age, sex, race, ethnic origin and whether they suffer from any disabilities. This form will be used solely for the purpose of monitoring the effectiveness of our equal opportunities policy and to ensure that we meet our obligations as an Equal Opportunities employer.  It will not be taken into consideration of the person’s suitability for the role.

Monitoring will also include assessing how the equality, diversity and inclusion policy, and any supporting action plan, are working in practice, reviewing them annually, and considering and taking action to address any issues.

If you are disabled or become disabled, we encourage you to tell us about your condition so that we can consider what reasonable adjustments or support may be appropriate.

We will endeavour to ensure individuals have the facilities and assistance to work wherever the need/client dictates.  If the request is reasonable, we will make adjustments to the environment where possible.

Part-time and fixed-term employees should be treated the same as comparable full-time or permanent employees and enjoy no less favourable terms and conditions (on a pro-rata basis where appropriate) unless different treatment is justified.

We will regularly monitor the composition of the workforce and of job applicants. Should inequalities become apparent lawful positive action will be taken to redress the balance including such measures as:

• Advertising jobs in ethnic or particular interest publications as appropriate.
• Encouraging under-represented groups to apply for suitable posts or undergo training.
• Making contact with disabled candidates via the local job centre.
• Considering whether any reasonable adjustment can be made to work premises or the working arrangements to accommodate a disabled employee or job applicant.
• Introducing assertiveness training.

This equality, diversity and inclusion policy is fully supported by senior management.