Browell Smith & Co Solicitors Ltd

The Firm is committed to providing equal opportunities in employment and to observing legislative requirements. This means that all employees and job applicants will receive equal treatment regardless of sex, marital status, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion, disability, age or sexual orientation. It is accepted that it is good business sense for the Firm to ensure that it’s most important resource, its staff, is used in a fair and effective way.

The Firm is generally free to decide whether to accept instructions from any particular client but any refusal to act will not be based upon the race, colour, ethnic or national origins, sex, creed, disability, age, political persuasion or sexual orientation of the prospective client.

Barristers and any other outside agency or professional should be instructed on the basis of their skill, experience and ability. The Firm will not, on the grounds of race,

colour, ethnic or national origins, sex, sexual orientation or unfairly or unreasonably on the grounds of disability, avoid instructing any such barrister, outside agency or professional.

It is unlawful to discriminate against individuals either directly or indirectly in respect of their race, sex or marital status; or to treat a person who has, or has had, a disability “less favourably” without reasonable justification. The Race Relations Act 1976 and the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 (both of which have been amended by subsequent legislation) and the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 are the relevant Acts. Regard must also be had to the Equal Pay Act 1970.

The Firm is committed to ensuring:

• that existing members of staff, job applicants, or workers are treated fairly in an environment which is free from any form of discrimination

In addition, existing members of staff, job applicants, or workers are treated fairly in an environment which is free from any form of discrimination with regard to: caring responsibilities, part-time employment, membership or non-membership or of a trade union.

• all employment-related policies, practices and procedures are applied impartially and objectively
• equality of opportunity to all and to provide staff with the opportunity to develop and realise their full potential
• that the Firm works towards achieving a diverse workforce at all levels
• that employees of the Firm can work in an atmosphere of dignity and respect

As an employer committed to diversity and equality the Firm recognises its success depends on creating a working environment which supports the diverse make-up of its staff with supporting policies and procedures to create a framework of assistance.