Employment policies - Staff employment handbook

The Company will not accept any discrimination by one employee against another, and is committed to the principle that employees should be able to work in an environment free from intimidation, bullying and harassment.

The Company aims to be an Equal Opportunity employer. We are fully committed to improving and furthering opportunities for all, irrespective of gender, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, martial status, disability, religion, age or sexual orientation. All employees and job applicants are assessed on their merits, capabilities and suitability only to ensure that all are treated equally. Our recruitment, development, training and promotion policies and procedures are reviewed regularly to ensure that all employees and potential employees are selected, promoted and treated in accord with our policy.

Employees are required to give their full support to these principles and commitments. Breaches of this Equal Opportunities Policy will be treated very seriously by the Company and will result in disciplinary action.

Development and Training

You will have both a job and a career at The Company. First you'll master the skills needed to do your job. Once you are performing well and have consolidated your experience, we'll start to develop a career path for you. We do this via our Performance Management and review process.

The Company is committed to the training and development of every individual. We expect each employee to take responsibility for developing themselves. This benefits both the Company and the individual. You will achieve new skills, capabilities and effectiveness and have a more interesting career.

You share responsibility with your manager for developing your competence and skills. We will provide you with the necessary training to enable you to do your job. We also aim to develop your capabilities consistent with your potential, aspirations and the changing needs of the business. You should ensure that you keep yourself up-to-date by acquiring the skills and knowledge needed for your personal growth and future career opportunities.

Our policy is to encourage promotion from within at every level. Career development in today's business world is not about continuous promotion in a traditional hierarchical organisation, but rather it is about enhancing skills and capabilities, about learning and experiencing, and building both Company interest and personal achievement.

Rewards are given for increased responsibilities and skills. Opportunities for promotion and trainee management positions exist in the various functional career areas.

Further Education

The Company supports the principle of further education which is relevant to the work for which the person is employed, and which is consistent with the needs of the business. If you are interested in further education and the possibility of receiving support for a relevant course or study, please talk first with your manager. You will be expected to contribute to both the time and costs.

Health and Safety

The Company is committed to establishing a high standard of health and safety in its working environment. The Company recognises its responsibility for the health and safety of its employees and for others who may be working in its offices or affected by its operations.

Personal Safety As an employee you have a similar duty to take care of your own personal safety, that of your fellow employees, and that of visitors, customers and contractors. You must co-operate fully in carrying out health and safety policies, procedures and instructions, and to comply absolutely with legal requirements.

Accident Prevention It is your duty to minimise the possibility of accidents. Safety rules and instructions must be followed and special clothing, protection for ears or eyes, or any other type of protection must be used if required. You should inform your manager immediately if you believe a process or practice is unsafe.

Accidents at Work If you have an accident or are injured at work, then no matter how small is the injury, or how trivial the incident seems to you, you must tell your manager. All accidents must be documented in the Accident Book kept in the HR Department.

Fire and Emergencies You must ensure that you know what to do in the event of fire or other emergency. You should familiarise yourself with where the fire alarm points, the extinguishers, exits and assembly points are located. If a building has to be evacuated, do so in an orderly manner, using stairs not lifts, and wait at the assembly point for further instruction.

Use your common sense - and don't take risks.

Smoking at Work

The Company encourages healthy practices and operates a non-smoking policy in its office. You must observe this policy. Failure to do so will result in disciplinary action. Where possible, a smoking area will be provided for the use of those employees in their own time.

Company Property

You should take all reasonable steps to protect Company property and to avoid misuse or waste of resources. All equipment allocated to you remains the property of the Company and may not be removed from Company premises unless business requires it.

Right of Search To safeguard company and other employees' property, and the property of its employees, the Company reserves the right to search the contents of employees' bags, brief cases, parcels, other containers, and vehicles brought onto Company premises. Searches will be carried out under the direct supervision of a senior manager. The employee is entitled to have another employee as a witness. A refusal to accept a search by an appropriate Company representative may render the employee liable to disciplinary action. The Company also reserves the right to ask for proof of ownership of any articles discovered during such an inspection or search.

Visitors

Visitors must be supervised at all times. Please notify Reception of visitors in advance of their arrival.

Use of Private Vehicles

Employees that use their own vehicles for company business should ensure they are insured for such use. Private vehicles are not insured by the Company for use on company business. The Company will reimburse cost of use at the following rate:

Mileage	Pence per mile
First 10,000	40p
Above 10,000	25p

Employees requiring transport for business purposes should contact their manager for arrangements.

Use of Company Premises and Facilities

Company premises, equipment, facilities and services are not for personal use. The Company's address and stationary must not be used for personal correspondence. Personal correspondence can be sent through the Company's mailing service if pre-stamped, but at your risk. Company telephones may only be used for personal calls in exceptional circumstances and with your manager's agreement.

The sale of goods, private trading and gambling of any description must not be conducted on Company premises. You must obtain permission from your manager if you wish to:

Sell, raffle or lottery tickets, circulate any notice (physically or by E Mail).
Hold meetings, make photocopies, phone calls or send faxes for reasons other than Company business.

Personal Property

You are advised not to bring valuable personal property into Company premises. Personal property is not insured by the company.

Use of Company facilities, such as car parks and cloakrooms, are at your own risk. The Company does not accept liability for loss or damage to your personal property unless it is caused through the Company's negligence.

Confirmation of Employment

Your employment is not confirmed until you have completed and returned all documentation sent to you with your offer letter. This is to ensure that the bona fides of all The Company employees have been established.

Business Expenses

You will be reimbursed for any business related expenses which are reasonable and wholly necessary in the course of approved Company business. You must have approval in advance for expenses and obtain a receipt. Payment will be made on submission of an Expense Report, approved by your manager, to the Finance department.

Medical Appointments

You should arrange routine medical and dental appointments outside working hours, or with minimum disruption to your work (i.e. first or last appointment of the day). Your manager may ask you to make up lost time.

Religious Days

The Company respects the right of employees to observe their religion. However, if religious holidays fall on a normal working days they must be taken from your annual holiday entitlement. Please give appropriate notice on a holiday form.

General Appearance and Code of Conduct

During your hours of work, you must devote yourself entirely to the business of the Company and to endeavour to promote its interest at all times by conducting yourself in a professional and courteous manner. Your image and dress should be appropriate to the business environment.

Personal Details

Payslips are occasionally sent to your given home address. Please tell Human Resources department about any changes to your personal details. In particular, ensure they are aware of your next of kin, their telephone number, and your own up-to-date address and telephone number. You should also tell them of any family events, such as a marriage, divorce, or childbirth.

Notices and Instructions

You should read and take account of Company notices and instructions as displayed on notice boards, by electronic mail, or given individually. You should pay particular attention to instructions on health and safety, security and standards or procedure associated with your work.

Help and Advice

If you are concerned or worried about some aspect of your employment with the company you should seek advice. Your manager should be the first person to speak with, particularly if it is a problem of a work related nature. If the matter is of a personal nature you may prefer to discuss it in confidence with a member of the Human Resources department.