1. Introduction

At Safe Haven Talent Company, we are committed to fostering equality, diversity, and inclusion across every aspect of our work. We value the unique experiences and perspectives of every individual and seek to reflect this in our culture, recruitment practices, and service delivery.

We actively promote fairness and inclusion for all staff, candidates, and clients. Our commitment includes continuous review of our practices to ensure compliance with the Equality Act 2010 and to prevent any form of unlawful discrimination.

We do not discriminate on the basis of any protected characteristic, including:

• Age

• Disability

• Gender reassignment

• Marriage and civil partnership

• Pregnancy and maternity

• Race

• Religion or belief

• Sex

• Sexual orientation

We also do not discriminate on the grounds of trade union membership or non-membership.

Our aim is to ensure that every candidate and employee is assessed solely on their skills, experience, and ability to perform the role, with unnecessary barriers removed. We are committed to providing training to our staff to uphold these principles and create an environment where respect and inclusion are standard.

2. Discrimination

a. Direct Discrimination

Direct discrimination occurs when someone is treated less favourably than others because of a protected characteristic, or because of an assumption or association with someone who has a protected characteristic.

In exceptional circumstances, the law allows for an occupational requirement where a specific characteristic is necessary for a role. Such requirements will only ever be applied by Safe Haven Talent Company where they are lawful, proportionate, and objectively justifiable.

b. Indirect Discrimination

Indirect discrimination happens when a rule, policy, or practice that applies to everyone disadvantages a group of people who share a protected characteristic. If such a measure cannot be objectively justified, it is unlawful.

c. Harassment

We are committed to maintaining a working environment free from harassment. Harassment is any unwanted behaviour related to a protected characteristic that has the purpose or effect of violating someone’s dignity or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment.

Prohibited behaviour includes (but is not limited to):

• Derogatory comments, jokes, or slurs

• Unwanted physical contact

• Offensive images, posters, or gestures

• Sexual advances or requests for sexual favours

• Retaliation against someone who raises concerns about harassment

All complaints of harassment will be taken seriously and addressed in line with our grievance procedure. Disciplinary action, up to and including termination, may be taken against any individual found responsible.

d. Victimisation

Victimisation occurs when someone is treated unfairly because they have made a complaint, supported another person’s complaint, or raised concerns about discrimination. Safe Haven Talent Company will not tolerate victimisation in any form.

3. Disabled Persons

We are committed to ensuring equal access and opportunity for people with disabilities. This includes making reasonable adjustments during recruitment, selection, and employment to remove unnecessary barriers.

Examples of adjustments may include:

• Modifying recruitment processes (e.g., providing alternative application formats)

• Adjusting interview arrangements or locations to improve accessibility

• Allowing additional time for assessments or providing assistive technology

• Offering interpreters, readers, or accessible documentation

We will not refuse employment, training, or career progression opportunities to a candidate or staff member because of disability.

4. Age Discrimination

We recognise that people of all ages can face discrimination, and we are committed to treating individuals fairly regardless of age. This applies equally to younger candidates seeking their first roles and older candidates continuing or returning to their careers.

No one will be disadvantaged on the grounds of age in recruitment, training, promotion, or any other employment decision.

5. Part-Time & Flexible Working Staff

Safe Haven Talent Company values flexible working and part-time arrangements. We are committed to ensuring that staff working under such arrangements are treated fairly and without detriment, with equal access to pay (on a pro rata basis), holiday, pensions, training, career development, and redundancy rights.

6. Gender Reassignment

We recognise and support the rights of individuals undergoing, intending to undergo, or who have undergone gender reassignment.

We will ensure staff are protected from discrimination or harassment on these grounds. Where necessary, we will make reasonable and sensitive adjustments to roles or working arrangements to support individuals through this process.

7. Recruitment of Ex-Offenders

As an organisation that works with regulated roles, Safe Haven Talent Company uses Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order.

We are committed to:

• Treating all candidates fairly and not discriminating because of past offences that are not directly relevant to the role

• Ensuring all job adverts and specifications make clear when DBS checks are required

• Providing candidates with the opportunity to discuss past convictions openly and confidentially at the appropriate stage in recruitment

• Training all staff involved in recruitment to fairly and consistently assess the relevance of convictions to the role in question

Failure to disclose relevant information may result in the withdrawal of an offer of employment.

Policy Commitment

At Safe Haven Talent Company, equality is at the heart of what we do. By embedding diversity, fairness, and inclusion into our culture and operations, we aim to create equal opportunities for all and to positively contribute to a more inclusive society.