Equality and Diversity Policy

Johanna Cargill who is the Compliance Officer for Legal Practice will be responsible for ensuring compliance with this policy. Diversity Information is published on our website in accordance with the Solicitors Regulation Authority requirements.
 

Underlying Principle

Everyone is different and has something unique to offer. At Andrews & Monroe Solicitors we respect and understand these differences and wish to make the most of everyone’s talents.

Definitions

• Diversity is about understanding, recognising, respecting and valuing differences.
• Equality is about managing differences so that everyone has equality of opportunity through a fair and consistent approach to the application of rules, policies and procedures. We recognise that sometimes this will mean treating people differently. This commitment is relevant to all we do, how we manage ourselves and how we delivery our services.

We will promote equality and diversity across all areas of our business. We are committed to the following:

• We aim to be fair, unbiased and professional in the services we provide our clients at Andrews and Monroe Solicitors.
• All clients and third parties whom we come into contact with will be treated fairly and with respect.
• We aim to be fair, unbiased and professional in the recruitment and training of any staff.
• Every employee is entitled to a working environment that promotes dignity and respect to all no form of intimidation; victimisation, bullying and harassment will be tolerated.
• We will review our employment practises and procedures to ensure fairness.
• We are proud of our staff and we will train so they understand there obligations under this policy.
• Selection for employment, promotion, training or any other benefit will be on the basis of aptitude and ability. All employees will be helped and encouraged to develop their full potential and the talents and resources of the staff will be fully utilised to maximise the efficiency of the organisation.
• We accept that at all times we will be accountable for our performance.

Responsibility of Staff

It is the responsibility of all staff to comply with this policy and not to discriminate in their day to day activities nor to induce others to do so.

Disabled Person

We are committed to making disabled people gain access to our services. We will therefore make the necessary reasonable adjustments (within a budget that we can afford) to ensure that a disabled person gets access to the legal services we provide.

If we are unable to make the reasonable adjustments because it is not cost effective or some other substantial reason, we will assist the disabled person with finding another solicitor that is in a position to help them with their legal matters.
 

Summary statement

We will not tolerate nor will we discriminate because of a protected characteristic, these are Age, Race, Sex, Gender Reassignment, Disability, Sexual Orientation, Religion or Belief, Pregnancy or Maternity and Civil Partnership or Marriage. We will also not discriminate because of working patterns or trade union membership nor will be tolerating victimisation, harassment, or bullying on these or any other grounds by clients, staff and or a third party.

Equality in the workplace is good management practice and makes sound business sense. We will ensure that no employee or job applicant receives less favourable treatment either directly or indirectly in recruitment or employment on the grounds of a protected characteristic.

We will review all our employment practices and procedures to ensure fairness. We are committed to the Equality Act 2010 and any other legislation promoting equality.

Complaints regarding the breach of this policy will be dealt with under our Complaints Policy. Breaches of our Equality and Diversity Policy will be regarded as gross misconduct and could lead to disciplinary proceedings.