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1. Introduction At MFI we believe that our employees’ career success and advancement should be determined solely by their ability and achievements. 2. Scope This policy applies to all employees regardless of age, race, gender, disability, religious belief, lifestyle, class or other method of stereotyping. 3. Guiding principles § Ensure that everyone has the same opportunities by focusing on talent and ability. § Provide a working environment that attracts, retains and develops dedicated employees who wish to share in the success of the Company. § Recognise talented employees who develop their competency and ability through personal development and enrichment with equal opportunity for career progression for those who want it. § Value the differences of perspective and opinions of employees. 4. Diversity statement MFI does not tolerate discrimination of any kind and encourages diversity amongst our people. Our aim is that our people are truly representative of all sections of society and most importantly our customers. Our culture and philosophy recognises and rewards individual achievement and merit regardless of age, colour, disability, ethnic or national origin, gender, marital status, religion or sexual orientation. Everyone is different. At MFI we are committed to providing equality for all. Diversity is valuing everyone as an individual, whether they are an employee, customer or client. 5. Adding value to our business By having a diverse team we add value to the business by recognising all kinds of difference. We want people with the desire and passion to work for MFI and we believe that a varied workforce will encourage new ideas and an imaginer approach. All colleagues must have the opportunity to achieve their full potential in respect of their own career and their contribution to the business. We believe that it is in the Company’s best interest, and all of those who work for us to ensure that the talents and skills available through the wider community are considered when employment opportunities arise throughout the Company. Diversity consists of visible and non visible factors including: sex, race, age, background, culture, disability, personality and work style. Within the framework of the law, we are committed to achieving and maintaining a workforce, which broadly reflects the communities in which we operate. Every possible step will be taken to ensure that individuals are treated equally and fairly and that decisions on recruitment, selection, training, personal development and promotion are based solely on objective and job related criteria. It is illegal to discriminate on any of the following: § gender (including sex, marriage, gender reassignment); § race; § disability; § sexual orientation; § religion or belief; and/or § age. We oppose all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination, harassment and bullying. The Company has a responsibility to reach an exemplary standard of equal opportunities practice and to promote this externally. MFI is committed to: § creating an open an honest working environment where individual differences an contributions of all employees are recognised; § making training and development available to all employees; and § incorporating equality and diversity into all areas within MFI. Breaches of this policy will result in investigation and may result in disciplinary action. 8. Some of the benefits from diversity in MFI Can recruit and retain best talent People aspire to work for employers with good employment practices, and to feel valued at work. Employers who offer good working conditions benefit from more positive and committed employees, who are less likely to leave. This will make us an employer of choice. Good employers receive more applications for jobs leading to a larger pool of talent to choose from. Improve creativity and innovation with a diverse workforce Improve corporate branding Social exclusion and low economic activity rates limit business markets and their growth. Diversity is a continuous process of improvement, not a one off initiative. We will ensure a working environment in which all people are able to give their best. All decisions will be based on merit. 9. Diversity Action Plan § Introduce Diversity Policy to Retail Partnership Group. § Training to all new managers to then train their employees through the Company induction. § Briefings to update all current managers to then inform their employees. § Ongoing training available for employees. § Reports run annually monitoring the workforce. § Review of harassment and bullying and recruitment policies. § Review the Diversity Policy annually. |