Equal Opportunities Policy

1. INTRODUCTION

In acceptance with current legislation and good management practice, the company wishes to state its policy on equal opportunity for all its learners.

2. AIM

The aim of this policy is to ensure that all learners are aware of the company's criteria towards the recruitment, promotion and training, and to remind all employees that discriminatory practices are illegal.

3. LEGISLATION

It is unlawful to discriminate against any learner on the grounds of sex, marital status, race or disability.

The Dental Resource Company is committed to ensuring that all learners receive equal treatment regardless of race, colour, ethnic or national origin, sex, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation or disability.

4. WHAT IS DISCRIMINATION?

Discrimination can take three forms:

• Direct discrimination: Where a person is treated less favourably because of their race, colour, ethnic or national origin, sex, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation or disability.
• Indirect discrimination: Where a requirement or condition, which cannot be justified is applied equally to all groups, but has a disproportionately adverse effect on one particular group.
• Victimisation: Where a person is treated less favourably because he/she has taken action against the Agency under the evidence in connection with proceedings.

More important however than the legislative aspect is the impact of discrimination on the efficient management of the business. Discriminatory action by current employees could mean that the most able learners could also be deterred. Acts of discrimination will not be tolerated by the Dental Resource Company.

Employees are expected to comply with this policy in all respects and at all times and to ensure that their actions, as individuals, do not contravene the legislation thereby bringing the Company into disrepute.

If any employees are unclear as to the provisions of the legislation, or as to how to deal with any particular problem, he/she should contact the Human Resources Manager for assistance and guidance.

5. RECRUITMENT

When recruiting new learners, whether by advertising or unsolicited applications, all applicants will be considered on the same criteria by reference to the course criteria, i.e. experience, academic achievements and other relevant skills such as languages, which are required. No applicant will be discriminated against on the grounds of race, colour, ethnic or national origin, sex, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation or disability.

6. REMEDIES AGAINST DISCRIMINATION

If any learner feels that s\he is being discriminated against unlawfully, s\he should first bring it to the attention of his tutor or, if s\he prefers, the Managing Director.

The matter will be fully investigated by the Managing Director and if appropriate, disciplinary action taken against the employee who has committed the discriminatory act.

If the complaint is found to be groundless, but the result of poor communication between tutor and the learner, an appraisal interview will be held between the manager, the learner and the Human Resources Manager (as arbitrator) to establish (i) the root of the problem (ii) action to resolve the dispute and (iii) the time in which the agreed action should take place.

7. INDIVIDUAL NEEDS

DRC are committed to providing all of our students with the support they require to achieve the optimum professional development through our courses. We will work with students to provide our training resources and support in the format most suited to their individual learning needs.

Dated: March 2004