Commitment To Equal Opportunity And Diversity In Employment

Commitment to Equal Opportunity and Diversity in Employment

We are an equal opportunities employer and embrace the values of diversity in all aspects of employment and in the delivery of services. As a responsible employer, the Council will conduct its affairs in a manner which will not unlawfully and unjustifiably cause disadvantage to any employee or job applicant on the following grounds: age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, race, sexual orientation, religion or belief or marriage and civil partnership.

We are committed to the principle of equal opportunity in employment. The Council's overall approach to equality and diversity is to ensure that we promote equality and eliminate discrimination in service delivery as well as in training and employment. The Council recognises that it serves a diverse community and that services should be delivered by a workforce that reflects the community it serves.

The Council's policy is that no job applicant or employee shall receive less favourable treatment than another.  We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply.

As users of the Disability Confident Scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum essential criteria for vacancies.

Employment Practices

Spelthorne recognises that its success depends ultimately on the quality and commitment of its staff and is committed to good employment practices.

The Council will promote equal opportunity through the application of employment policies, procedures and arrangements which will be operated in a fair and consistent manner, with decisions made on objective grounds.

The Council will ensure that individuals are recruited, selected, promoted and treated on objective grounds having regard to relevant experience, potential, skills and abilities. All employees and job applicants will be treated fairly and will not be disadvantaged by any condition or requirement which are not necessary to the performance of the job, or which constitute unfair discrimination. We value the diversity of our workforce and will take account of individuals' needs and preferences when making employment decisions.

Discrimination and the Law

Spelthorne's employment and training arrangements comply with equal opportunities legislation and take account of good practice and emerging legislation, with equality integrated into all employment arrangements. The following terms are particularly important in employment matters.

Direct discrimination - occurs where a person is treated less favourably than another in a comparable situation because of their gender, racial or ethnic origin, religion/belief, disability, age or sexual orientation.

Indirect discrimination - occurs when apparently neutral provision, criterion or practice would disadvantage people on grounds of gender, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation unless the practice can be objectively justified by a legitimate aim.

Harassment occurs where there is action or words that are unwanted, unwelcome and violate another person's dignity or create an environment that is intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive.

Victimisation is where individuals who are involved in bringing allegations of discrimination (direct or indirect) and harassment are treated less favourably as a result. Equally people who have supported or given evidence in support of the alleged victim are protected from being victimised. Any such treatment will be deemed discriminatory.

We will treat seriously all cases of discrimination, victimisation, harassment and bullying. Where necessary disciplinary action will be taken which may include dismissal.

Recording, monitoring and review

Employment policies and practices and the make-up of the workforce will be monitored to ensure effectiveness, to conduct equality impact assessments and to review progress.

All Spelthorne employees and councillors have a responsibility to promote equality by not unfairly discriminating against any groups or individuals; by treating customers, colleagues and partners with dignity and respect; and by working within agreed employment policies.