EQUALITY, DIVERSITY
AND INCLUSION
We know that creating a diverse, equal and inclusive workplace contributes to the wellbeing of our teams, helps to attract and retain the best talent, improves our editorial perspective and makes our business succeed. We want to create a workplace that's free from unlawful discrimination, victimisation or harassment and in line with our core values.
We also want to use our increasingly powerful and influential voice in the construction, engineering and architecture sectors to lead on these areas externally.
Here's a copy of our policy on equality, diversity and inclusion that provides more detail on our approach in each of these areas.
1. PRINCIPLES
The B1M will create a working environment that is free from unlawful discrimination, victimisation or harassment and in line with our core values.We will treat everyone fairly in respect of recruitment, training and development opportunities and will encourage them to reach their full potential.
We will ensure that no job applicant receives less favourable treatment on any of the unlawful grounds listed in this Policy. Individuals will be treated on the basis of their relevant merits and abilities. Job selection criteria are regularly reviewed to ensure that they are essential for the effective performance of the job and therefore justified on non-discriminatory grounds.
We will monitor redundancy selection criteria and procedures to ensure that they are fair and objective and are not directly or indirectly discriminatory. We will ensure that disciplinary procedures are carried out fairly and uniformly for everyone, whether they result in the giving of disciplinary warnings, dismissal or other disciplinary action.
2. POLICY
We are committed to recognising and encouraging Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. Any form of unfair discrimination, victimisation or harassment will not be tolerated. This includes an individual’s protected characteristics, as follows:- Age
- Disability
- Gender reassignment
- Marriage and civil partnership
- Pregnancy and maternity
- Race
- Religion or belief
- Sex; and
- Sexual orientation
This policy does not form part of anyone’s contract of employment and may be amended at any time.
3. EQUALITY
We will ensure that our people, customers and suppliers are treated fairly and equally.We recognise that treating people equally does not mean treating everyone the same. Sometimes it will be necessary to treat some people differently in order for them to experience equal treatment. An example of this is that we will not make assumptions about a disabled person’s ability to take part in training or the benefits they will gain.
4. DIVERSITY
We recognise that people are individuals and therefore differ from each other in a variety of ways.We are committed to ensuring that the diversity of our people, customers and suppliers is valued, viewed positively and as something to be harnessed for our benefit.
We know that harnessing differences will lead to a more productive working environment in which everyone feels valued, their talents are fully utilised, customer needs are satisfied, and our business goals are met.
5. INCLUSION
We will embrace everyone irrespective of race, gender, disability, medical, mental healthor other need. We are committed to ensuring that equal access and opportunity is given to everyone by removing discrimination, intolerance and any other perceived barriers.6. DISCRIMINATION
We will not tolerate discrimination.Discrimination occurs when a person is treated less favourably than another person who is in the same or similar position, and the reason for this treatment is not justifiable. Discrimination can occur in the following ways:
6.1 Direct Discrimination
Direct discrimination occurs if anyone discriminates against anyone else because of a protected characteristic, whether or not they possess that characteristic (except in the case of marital status or civil partnership).
An example of direct discrimination happens if we were to treat you less favourably than someone else. It would be direct discrimination if a driving job was only open to male applicants. It is unlawful to discriminate against anyone because of the connection with someone who possesses a protected characteristic, or because they are mistakenly perceived to possess a protected characteristic. This is called discrimination by association or perception.
6.2 Indirect Discrimination
Indirect discrimination occurs if you were subject to an unjustified provision, criterion or practice (PCP) which puts you at a particular disadvantage because of the PCP which has been applied.
For example, a requirement to have excellent written English may indirectly discriminate against a non-British job applicant.
This definition covers formal requirements, conditions and provisions, as well as informal practices. It also covers gender reassignment and disability.
6.3 Disability Discrimination
Disability discrimination occurs if we were to treat you in a detrimental way because of something that is a consequence of a disability.
For example, being dismissed with a poor attendance record when the absences were caused by disability. If anyone is suffering from a disability, we have a duty to make reasonable adjustments for them so that they are not subject to a detriment.
7. VICTIMISATION
We will not tolerate victimisation.Victimisation occurs if you are treated less favourably because you carried out a ‘protected act’, e.g. have alleged that discrimination or harassment has taken place; have presented a claim to an employment tribunal; or have acted as a witness in a discrimination or harassment case.
Some examples of victimisation include being labelled as a troublemaker, denied promotion or training opportunities.
8. HARASSMENT
We will not tolerate harassment. Any breaches will be dealt with under our Bullying and Harassment Policy.Harassment is unwanted conduct that is associative or perceived which has the purpose of violating a person’s dignity or creates an environment that is demeaning, degrading, threatening or hostile.
We can be held liable for the sexual harassment of our people by a third party (for example, someone outside our company). The act extends liability for third-party harassment to all protected characteristics (other than pregnancy/maternity and marriage/civil partnerships) where we may have failed to take responsible steps to prevent it, and provided we know that you have experienced third-party harassment on at least two prior occasions.
An example of harassment includes any team members commonly making jokes at the expense of the youngest member of the team. If the youngest are constantly being told that they are the youngest or ‘wet behind the ears’ by colleagues-or discussing someone’s gender identity with colleagues.
9. BULLYING
Bullying is offensive, intimidating, malicious or insulting behaviour, which involves an abuse or misuse of power through means, intended to undermine, humiliate, denigrate or injure recipients.Examples of harassment and bullying may also include unwanted remarks, inappropriate jokes or ridicule, unwelcome physical contact, suggestions or demands for sexual favours, racial shunning or comments on sexual orientation.
We will not tolerate bullying. Any breaches will be dealt with under our Bullying and Harassment Policy.
10. OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENT
In limited circumstances it will be lawful for us to treat people differently if it is an occupational requirement.Where there is a genuine requirement for a particular type of person to do the job, we must be able to justify a sound business reason.
11. RESPONSIBILITY
Everyone at The B1M has an individual responsibility for ensuring equality of opportunity and adherence to this Policy by respecting the right to work in an environment free from prejudice and discrimination, by behaving in a considerate and sensitive manner and by challenging anyone who falls short of these expectations.Everyone must ensure that they treat all people that they come into contact with during the course of their work fairly, equally and with respect.
Fred Mills will be the lead Director for all our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion issues and for the review and administration of this policy.
12. TRAINING
Training on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion may be provided to staff as necessary.Refresher Equality, Diversity and Inclusion training may be provided when necessary to reflect changes in legislation.
13. EXTERNAL LEADERSHIP
The B1M has a powerful and influential voice in the construction, engineering and architecture sectors.We will model our internal approach and values around Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in our external activities to help lead the sectors in these areas.
This shall include exercising this Policy when producing video content, selecting or negotiating video participants, organising roundtable or panel discussions or when working with other organisations in our supply chain.
14. BREACHES OF THE POLICY
Any member of our team who believes they may have been discriminated against is encouraged to raise the matter as a formal grievance.Any member of our team who believes they may have been subject to harassment is encouraged to raise the matter through our Bullying and Harassment Policy.
Any member of our team who feels unable to raise a matter may contact an independent support person. Details are provided to our teams internally.
Allegations regarding potential breaches of the Policy will be treated in confidence and investigated in accordance with the relevant procedure. Persons making such allegations in good faith will not be victimised or treated less favourably as a result.
False allegations which are found to have been made in bad faith will be dealt with under disciplinary proceedings.
Anyone who is found to have committed acts of discrimination or harassment will be subject to disciplinary action. Such behaviour may constitute gross misconduct and may result in summary dismissal.
