Equality and Diversity Policy - Statement of Intent

SMS Environmental Ltd aims to support the growing diversity of the community in which we operate and the people we employ. Our diversity is our strength and we are committed to providing services to our clients and stakeholders, by a workforce that reflects the diversity of society.

We also acknowledge that we live in an unequal society in which many people face discrimination. SMS Environmental Ltd acknowledges that equality of opportunity and freedom from discrimination are fundamental human rights. We actively oppose all forms of discrimination and are committed to the principle that no person shall face discrimination by being treated unfairly or by being denied employment opportunities.

We will not discriminate (indirect and direct) on the grounds of race, gender, gender reassignment, marital status, being a lesbian or a gay man, age, religious beliefs, HIV status, or disability (covering sensory and physical disabilities, learning disabilities and mental health status).

Discrimination as outlined above and harassment is unacceptable and contrary to our explicit aim of providing quality services and recruiting and retaining a diverse team.

SMS Environmental Ltd recognises its responsibilities under the following equalities legislation and related Codes of Practice:

• The Equal Pay Act 1970
• The Sex Discrimination Act 1975 (updated 1986)
• The Race Relations Act 1976 and (Amendment) Regulations 2003 and
• The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 and Amendments
• The Human Rights Act 1998
• The Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000
• All European regulations and Directives

Through European Employment Equality regulations, SMS Environmental Ltd recognises its responsibilities to promote equal opportunities in employment on the grounds of sexual orientation, religion or belief (December 2003) and age from 2006.

Equality and diversity are majority issues, which concern the whole community:

• Young people
• Older people
• Women
• People from Black and minority ethnic backgrounds
• Faith groups
• Disabled people
• Lesbian women and gay men

We will build on the strengths of diversity and communicate with staff, our clients and all our stake holders. We intend to promote equality, value diversity and prevent discrimination through our roles as

• Service Provider
• Employer
• A member of the community