Equality Policy

Stoutz & Co Recruitment Ltd – Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Policy

Effective Date: 10/05/2026

 

1. Policy Statement

Stoutz & Co Recruitment Ltd (“the Agency”, “we”, “us”, “our”) is committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion throughout all areas of the business.

We aim to provide fair, professional and inclusive treatment to all Candidates, Clients, employees, workers, suppliers and third parties regardless of:

• age;
• disability;
• gender reassignment;
• marriage or civil partnership;
• pregnancy or maternity;
• race;
• religion or belief;
• sex;
• sexual orientation.

The Agency operates in accordance with the principles of the Equality Act 2010 and does not tolerate unlawful discrimination, harassment, victimisation or unfair treatment.

 

2. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to:

• promote fair and lawful recruitment practices;
• support equal opportunities within recruitment and employment processes;
• reduce the risk of discrimination and unconscious bias;
• encourage inclusive working relationships with Clients and Candidates;
• support compliance with applicable UK equality legislation.

 

3. Scope

This policy applies to:

• employees;
• temporary workers;
• contractors;
• Candidates;
• Clients;
• suppliers;
• any person acting on behalf of the Agency.

 

4. Equal Opportunities Commitment

The Agency aims to:

• assess Candidates based on skills, qualifications, experience and suitability for the role;
• provide equal access to recruitment opportunities;
• avoid discriminatory language within advertisements and communications;
• promote fair and objective recruitment processes;
• make reasonable adjustments for Candidates with disabilities where reasonably practicable;
• handle complaints relating to discrimination seriously and confidentially;
• encourage inclusive and respectful professional conduct.

 

5. Recruitment Practices

The Agency is committed to helping ensure that:

• job advertisements are fair and non-discriminatory;
• Candidate shortlisting is based on role-related criteria only;
• interview processes are conducted fairly and consistently;
• Clients are advised against discriminatory hiring requests;
• selection decisions are documented where appropriate;
• recruitment activities remain compliant with applicable equality legislation.

Any Client request that may breach equality legislation or promote unlawful discrimination may be refused.

Where lawful occupational requirements apply under applicable legislation, the Agency may take such requirements into account where legally permitted.

 

6. Harassment, Victimisation and Retaliation

The Agency does not tolerate:

• bullying;
• harassment;
• intimidation;
• victimisation;
• retaliatory behaviour;
• offensive or discriminatory conduct.

Complaints may be investigated promptly and appropriate action may be taken where necessary.

 

7. Reasonable Adjustments

Where reasonably possible and appropriate, reasonable adjustments may be made to support Candidates or workers with disabilities during:

• registration;
• interviews;
• assessments;
• placement processes;
• recruitment communications.

Candidates are encouraged to inform the Agency of any required adjustments.

 

8. Responsibilities

All staff and representatives of the Agency are responsible for:

• treating others fairly and respectfully;
• following this policy;
• reporting discriminatory behaviour where identified;
• promoting equal opportunity practices;
• supporting inclusive professional conduct.

Management is responsible for helping ensure that this policy is implemented, communicated and periodically reviewed.

 

9. Complaints

Any concerns relating to discrimination, harassment or unfair treatment should be reported to:

Stoutz & Co Recruitment Ltd

Email: info@stoutzandco.co.uk

Website: Stoutz & Co Recruitment Ltd

Address:
No1 Business Centre
1–11 Alvin Street
Gloucester
GL1 3EJ

All complaints may be handled confidentially and investigated fairly where reasonably practicable.

 

10. Monitoring and Review

This policy may be reviewed periodically to help ensure ongoing compliance with current legislation, operational requirements and recruitment best practice.

Document Owner: Stoutz & Co Recruitment Ltd
Version: 1.0
Issue Date: 10/05/2026
Review Frequency: Periodically or where operational/legal changes require review.

11. Governing Law

This policy shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of England and Wales.