Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Policy
Intrepid aims to be an inclusive organisation.
Intrepid aims to be an inclusive organisation.
Last Updated: January 2022
Intrepid is committed to promoting equality and diversity and promoting a culture that actively values difference and recognises that people from different backgrounds and experiences can bring valuable insights to the workplace and enhance the way we work. Intrepid aims to be an inclusive organisation, where diversity is valued, respected and built upon.
Intrepid is also committed to compliance with relevant equality legislation, the Equality Act 2010, Codes of Practice and relevant best practice guidance.
Intrepid aims to pro-actively tackle discrimination or disadvantage and aims to ensure that no individual or group is directly or indirectly discriminated against for any reason with regard to employment or accessing its services.
Equality can be described as breaking down barriers, eliminating discrimination and ensuring equal opportunity and access for all groups both in employment, and to goods and services; the basis of which is supported and protected by legislation.
Diversity can be described as celebrating differences and valuing everyone. Each person is an individual with visible and non-visible differences and by respecting this everyone can feel valued for their contributions which is beneficial not only for the individual but for the Library.
Equality and Diversity are not inter-changeable but inter-dependent. There can be no equality of opportunity if difference is not valued and harnessed and taken account of.
This policy applies to direct employees of Intrepid and contractors, the latter are responsible for adhering to Intrepid’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy whilst providing services on behalf of Intrepid.
Intrepid is committed to ensuring:
that existing members of staff, job applicants, contractors and clients are treated fairly in an environment which is free from any form of discrimination with regard to age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race (includes colour, nationality and ethnic origins), religion and or belief, sex, sexual orientation.
that existing members of staff, job applicants, contractors and clients are treated fairly in an environment which is free from any form of discrimination with regard to caring responsibilities, part-time employment, or spent convictions.
all employment-related policies, practices and procedures are applied impartially and objectively;
equality of opportunity to all and to provide staff with the opportunity to develop and realise their full potential;
that employees of Intrepid can work in an atmosphere of dignity and respect.
that no employee or contractor of Intrepid shall unlawfully discriminate in dealings with other employee or contractor of Intrepid, customer, potential customer or other third parties
Intrepid recognises the importance of monitoring and reviewing its equality and diversity policy and practice.
Intrepid is committed to employees who have commitments outside work, irrespective of whether they have caring responsibilities. Intrepid is committed to helping its employees fulfil their potential at work whilst finding the right work/life balance by offering flexible working arrangements including opportunities to work remotely as required / appropriate.
Intrepid is committed to ensuring its employees and contractors are fully aware of Intrepid’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion when they join the company and policy and agree to adhere to the policy throughout their time with the company. Any changes to the policy will be communicated through email to all staff and contractors.
Intrepid takes all claims of discrimination very seriously and will take appropriate action against those concerned. Discrimination occurs when someone directly or indirectly treats a person or a group of people unfavourably because of a protected characteristic of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation. This covers all behaviour including remarks and insinuation, both verbal and non-verbal, which cause offence.
Any member of staff who is subject to harassment, bullying or discrimination is encouraged to raise the issue with their Line Manager, the HR Lead or the CEO.
All staff have a responsibility to guard against any form of discrimination and avoid any action which goes against the spirit of this policy. Thus staff at all levels must ensure that there is no discrimination in any of their decisions or behaviour. This includes the provision that all staff must:
report any suspected discriminatory acts or practices;
not induce or attempt to induce others to practice unlawful discrimination;
co-operate with any measures introduced to ensure equality of opportunity;
not victimise anyone as a result of them having complained about, reported or provided evidence of discrimination;
not harass, abuse or intimidate others.
The CEO and HR Lead of Intrepid are also specifically responsible for
Providing leadership on the equality and diversity strategy and policy, acting as overall champions to ensure the policy is implemented;
Communicating the strategy and policy, internally and externally;
Intrepid will not tolerate any behaviour from employees or contractors which breaches our equality and diversity policy. Any such breaches will be regarded as misconduct except for serious offences such as discrimination on protected grounds; serious offences including harassment, bullying, or victimisation will be treated as gross misconduct and may lead to disciplinary action including dismissal from employment without notice.
The HR Lead has the responsibility for ensuring the maintenance, monitoring, regular review and updating of this policy and communication of any changes to all employees and contractors of Intrepid.
If through monitoring any discrimination is identified Intrepid will take corrective action to eliminate it.