Equality and Diversity Policy

Mason Hayes is committed to eliminating discrimination and positively encouraging diversity amongst its workforce. Employees are encouraged to share their views and lifestyles to broaden awareness of differences for all staff. By valuing our differences we can build on our individual, team and overall firm strengths to benefit our people and our clients.

The ultimate aim of the firm is that our workforce will be truly representative of all sections of society and for each employee to feel respected and able to deliver their best.

The purpose of this policy is to provide genuine equality and fairness for all of our employees and job applicants and not to discriminate against anyone on grounds of gender, gender reassignment, marital status, race, ethnic or national origin, nationality, colour, disability, sexual orientation, religion, pregnancy, maternity, paternity and age. We oppose all forms of unlawful and unfair treatment. All employees, whether part-time, full-time or temporary, will be treated fairly and with respect.

Selection for employment, promotion, training or any other benefit will be on the basis of aptitude and ability. All employees will be encouraged to develop to their full potential and the talents and resources of the workforce will be fully utilised to maximise the efficiency of the organisation and add to the wealth of knowledge the organisation holds.

The principle of equal treatment will also apply to the firm’s professional dealings and relationships with third parties including clients, barristers, other solicitors, contractors, consultants and suppliers.

Our commitment:

• to create an environment in which individual differences and the contributions of all our staff are recognised and valued;
• every employee is entitled to a working environment that promotes dignity and respect to all. No form of intimidation, bullying or harassment will be tolerated;
• to make available appropriate training, development and progression opportunities for all staff;
• we will regularly review all our employment practices and procedures to ensure fairness;
• breaches of our Equality and Diversity policy will be regarded as misconduct and could lead to disciplinary proceedings;
• our recruitment processes will be open to all members of society possessing the relevant skill set for an advertised role. Fair and consistent selection procedures will be used to score all applicants;
• the principles in this policy are central to the firm’s ethos. A copy of this policy is sent to all new joiners to the firm and is readily accessible by all employees in the firm’s electronic Policies and Procedures folder. This policy is fully supported by Marcus Hayes, Managing Director of the firm;
• the firm is committed to complying with Principle 9 of the SRA Handbook 2011 which requires the business to be run in a way which encourages equal opportunity and respect for diversity and to achieving the mandatory outcomes in Chapter 2 of the Code of Conduct. We consistently work to ensure that we are compliant with all current and future anti-discrimination legislation and associated codes of practice; and
• the policy will be monitored and reviewed frequently and at least on an annual basis.

Anyone who believes that discrimination is taking place should discuss the matter with Marcus Hayes in the first instance. The firm will treat seriously and take appropriate action in all complaints of discrimination or harassment made by employees, clients, barristers or other third parties. All complaints will be investigated in accordance with the firm’s grievance or complaints procedure with the complainant being informed of the outcome.

Reviewed April 2014