Human Rights Policy

Sims Engineering Systems Limited is committed to encouraging diversity, equality, and inclusion within our company and is committed to eliminating any unlawful discrimination and ensuring that each of our employees feels respected and valued.

We aim to be representative of all sections of society and our customers.

The company is also committed against unlawful discrimination of customers, suppliers or any stakeholders throughout our everyday running of the business.

The policy’s purpose is to:

• provide equality, fairness and respect for all in our employment, whether temporary, part-time or full-time, in any capacity

• not discriminate in any way in terms of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, or race (including colour, nationality, and ethnic or national origin). religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation

• oppose and avoid all forms of unlawful discrimination. This includes in remuneration, company benefits, terms and conditions of employment, dealing with any grievances and disciplinary situations, dismissal, redundancy, parental leave, compassionate leave, flexible work requests, employee selection for employment, promotional processes, training or development opportunities within the company.

The organisation is committed to:

Encouraging equality, diversity and inclusion within the workplace.

Providing a healthy working environment free of bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination, promoting dignity and respect for all, and ensuring that employees are valued each day and individual differences and the contributions of all are recognised.

Our commitment to our human rights policy includes creating awareness of responsibilities and development of processes and systems for our managers and employees regarding their rights and responsibilities under the equality, diversity and inclusion policy. Such responsibilities include supporting the organisation to provide equal opportunities, prevention of bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination.

All staff should understand they, as well as their employer, can be held liable for acts of bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination, in the course of their employment, against fellow employees, customers, suppliers and the public.

Take seriously complaints of bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination by fellow employees, customers, suppliers, visitors, the public and any others in the course of the organisation’s work activities.

Such acts will be dealt with as misconduct under the organisation’s grievance and/or disciplinary procedures, and appropriate action will be taken. Particularly serious complaints could amount to gross misconduct and lead to dismissal without notice.

Further, sexual harassment may amount to both an employment rights matter and a criminal matter, such as in sexual assault allegations. In addition, harassment under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 – which is not limited to circumstances where harassment relates to a protected characteristic – is a criminal offence.

The company makes training opportunities for training, development and progression available to all staff and encourages them to develop to their full potential, recognise and promote talents and resources so they can be fully utilised to maximise the efficiency of the organisation.

Employee decisions are based upon merit (except necessary and limited exemptions and exceptions allowed under the Equality Act).

Employment practices and procedures are regularly reviewed to ensure fairness and are updated along with our policies to take account of changes in the law.

We review the blend of our workforce regarding information such as age, sex, ethnic background, sexual orientation, religion or belief, and disability in encouraging equality, diversity and inclusion, and in meeting the aims and commitments set out in the equality, diversity and inclusion policy. Upon we review, we will check that we are compliant with our human rights policy and if necessary, take action to address any issues as soon as possible.

The equality, diversity and inclusion policy is fully supported by the Directors of the company and its workforce.

Details of the organisation’s grievance and disciplinary policies and procedures can be found at Sims Engineering Systems Limited, Unit F2-F3, Riverway, Harlow, Essex, CM20 2DP

Use of the organisation’s grievance and/or disciplinary procedures does not affect an employee’s right to make a claim to an employment tribunal within three months of the alleged discrimination.

Updated 13 May 2022