Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Policy

Blue Heart Care Group – Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Policy

1. Statement of Commitment

Blue Heart Care Group is committed to promoting fairness, respect and equal opportunity across all areas of our business.
We operate within three core areas — Recruitment, Homecare and Children’s Residential Services — and we recognise the importance
of building a workforce and care environment that reflects the diversity of the communities we support.

We aim to ensure that every applicant, employee, temporary worker, young person, resident, or service user is treated equitably,
with dignity and without discrimination. We actively encourage a workplace culture where individuality is welcomed, differences
are valued and every person has equal access to opportunity.

To support this, we strive to:

  • Promote a diverse workforce by broadening our recruitment reach and removing barriers.
  • Ensure fair treatment and equal access to work, training, and progression.
  • Uphold the principles of the Equality Act 2010 at all times.
  • Support clients and commissioning bodies in meeting their own EDI responsibilities.
  • Continuously review our working practices to prevent unfair, unlawful or unethical discrimination.

Every member of Blue Heart Care Group has a responsibility to uphold this policy.

2. Legal Framework – Protected Characteristics

Under the Equality Act 2010, discrimination is unlawful when linked to a protected characteristic, which includes:

  • Age
  • Disability
  • Gender reassignment
  • Marriage & civil partnership
  • Pregnancy & maternity
  • Race
  • Religion or belief
  • Sex
  • Sexual orientation

We also do not discriminate based on trade union involvement, background, or personal circumstances.

All hiring, placement decisions and internal employment processes will be based solely on ability, experience, merit and
suitability for the role — never on protected characteristics.

3. Types of Discrimination

a) Direct Discrimination

Occurs when a person is treated less favourably because of a protected characteristic, or is assumed to have one.
Example: rejecting a candidate due to disability, age, race or gender.

Direct discrimination is unlawful unless an Occupational Requirement applies and can be objectively justified.
Where such a requirement exists, written justification must be provided by the client or employer.

b) Indirect Discrimination

Occurs when a process, rule or requirement is applied to everyone, but creates a disadvantage for those sharing a protected characteristic.
Indirect discrimination is only lawful where it can be objectively justified.

Blue Heart Care Group will not work with clients or accept vacancy instructions that result in unlawful discrimination.

4. Harassment & Victimisation

Harassment

Harassment refers to any unwanted behaviour related to a protected characteristic that causes distress, humiliation,
intimidation or creates a hostile environment. This includes sexual harassment or inappropriate materials, comments or conduct.

Examples of behaviours that will not be tolerated:

  • Derogatory jokes or slurs
  • Sexual comments, advances or innuendo
  • Displaying or sending inappropriate images or content
  • Physical intimidation or unwanted contact
  • Threats, coercion or pressure for personal gain
  • Retaliation or punishment for rejecting harassment

Concerns should be reported immediately to management and followed up with written details.
All allegations will be investigated fully, fairly and confidentially. Proven breaches may lead to disciplinary action,
up to and including termination.

Victimisation

Victimisation occurs where someone is treated unfairly for raising a complaint, reporting discrimination or supporting
another person through that process. Blue Heart Care Group has zero tolerance for this.

5. Disability & Reasonable Adjustments

We recognise our responsibility to ensure disabled staff, workers, candidates and young people are treated equitably and with dignity.

Blue Heart Care Group will:

  • Consider reasonable adjustments during recruitment and employment
  • Adapt interview locations, processes or timeframes where needed
  • Modify assessments where appropriate
  • Support alternative communication methods or paperwork formats
  • Wherever feasible, improve site accessibility across services

Disability will never be a barrier to opportunity or progression where capability to perform a role is demonstrated.

6. Age Equality

We will not apply age-related restrictions or unfairly favour or exclude individuals based on age.
Roles will be advertised, selected and offered based on skills, knowledge and suitability alone.

If age information is collected, it will only be used for safe recruitment compliance, workforce monitoring or regulatory requirements.

7. Part-Time, Flexible & Temporary Workers

Part-time and flexible workers will receive equal access to:

  • Pay & holiday entitlement (pro-rata where applicable)
  • Training, development and progression
  • Maternity, parental and statutory leave
  • Pension availability
  • Redundancy and internal opportunity

No worker will be treated less favourably due to contracted hours or working pattern.

8. Gender Reassignment

Blue Heart Care Group supports any staff member undergoing, intending to undergo, or having completed gender reassignment.
We will actively protect individuals from discrimination, harassment or exclusion and, where necessary, consider role adjustments
or alternative placement to support wellbeing.

Concerns relating to gender identity should be raised confidentially through our grievance channels.

9. Ex-Offenders & DBS Requirements

Where roles require DBS clearance, we will comply fully with DBS and regulatory standards surrounding recruitment of ex-offenders.
Criminal history will be assessed fairly, transparently and only where relevant to the role being applied for.

10. Monitoring, Compliance & Reporting

Blue Heart Care Group will monitor the implementation of this policy, audit fairness in recruitment and respond promptly to any
reports of inequality or discriminatory behaviour.

Complaints or concerns should be escalated to management or the Director of Operations.
All concerns will be investigated promptly and outcomes recorded.

Policy Owner: Blue Heart Care Group

Policy Title: Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Policy

Last Reviewed: 2025

Version: 2.0