Diversity Policy

Definition:

Diversity is a 'quality' of difference or variety.

The notions of equality and diversity at work, arising from the anti- discrimination laws governing issues of race, sex, disability and age; are now regulated by the Commission for Equality and Human Rights, as established under the 2006 Equality Act.

Therefore all employers now have a duty to ensure that current and potential employees; colleagues and clients are not subject to discrimination on grounds of age, race, religion or belief, disability, sex, marital status, civil partnership status, sexual orientation, trans-gender status, status of pregnancy or maternity.

Our Policy:

• At Noble Harbour we embody equality and diversity in our approach to all persons entering our sphere of professional practice; inclusive of the instruction of experts and counsel; and in the conducting of relations with fellow professionals and clients.
• We promote and sustain an open, respectful, inclusive and supportive environment both within the practice and in relation to all fellow professionals (legal and non-legal); clients; and all other individuals we encounter in our practice.
• Noble Harbour will have regard to all available information when responding to requests from, and individual requirements for, practice personnel; colleagues and clients, in relation to the provision of our professional service. All situations will be considered on their merits and every endeavour will be made to ensure that all professional relationships are inclusive of each party's reasonable needs.
• In the event of a colleague or client being unable to attend at our offices for an appointment, we will endeavour to arrange for the meeting to take place at a time and location which is mutually convenient and appropriate for all of the parties concerned.
• Our policy includes training in diversity awareness for all Noble Harbour personnel; and support for individualised, personal and professional development training. We aim to create a culture of continuous learning within a framework of self- responsibility. A pro-active approach ensures that individuals select courses which are pertinent to their current role and may also offer opportunities for progression in new areas. (see the Resilience Policy for further details)
• All available career opportunities will be afforded to all personnel, having regard to relevant levels of qualification and experience. The practice will ensure that there are equal opportunities offered at all stages of the recruitment and promotion processes.
• Noble Harbour's recruitment and selection process is always conducted in accordance with our values of equality and diversity.
  All recruitment and training procedures are anchored firmly within the provisions of the Equality and Diversity Policy, the Flexible Working Policy, and the Resilience Policy of Noble Harbour
• The practice will endeavour to provide opportunities which will be suitable for flexible working provisions, unless objective and sound business reasons demonstrate otherwise. (see the Flexible Working policy for further details)
• This policy will be monitored periodically by the practice to evaluate its effectiveness; and if any changes are required, they will be implemented.
• Any developments of the firm's strategic and business plans will similarly be examined in order to ensure that no inadvertent breach of the policy occurs.