Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy

Last updated: June 18, 2025

1. Our Commitment

VFC Hire Ltd. is committed to encouraging equality, diversity, and inclusion among our workforce, and eliminating unlawful discrimination.

The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative of all sections of society and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. The company is also committed against unlawful discrimination of customers or the public.

2. Legal Framework

This policy is guided by the principles of the Equality Act 2010, which provides the legal framework for protecting the rights of individuals and advancing equality of opportunity for all. We adhere to the codes of practice issued by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC).

3. Protected Characteristics

We are committed to providing equal opportunities and preventing discrimination against anyone based on the nine protected characteristics defined by the Equality Act 2010. These are:

  • Age
  • Disability
  • Gender Reassignment
  • Marriage and Civil Partnership
  • Pregnancy and Maternity
  • Race (including colour, nationality, and ethnic or national origins)
  • Religion or Belief
  • Sex
  • Sexual Orientation

For more detailed definitions, please refer to the guidance on protected characteristics from the EHRC.

4. Types of Discrimination

We do not tolerate any form of discrimination. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Direct Discrimination: Treating someone less favourably than another person because of a protected characteristic.
  • Indirect Discrimination: When a rule or policy that applies to everyone particularly disadvantages people who share a protected characteristic.
  • Harassment: Unwanted behaviour related to a protected characteristic which violates an individual’s dignity or creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment.
  • Victimisation: Treating someone unfairly because they have complained about discrimination or harassment.

For further explanation, please see the EHRC's guidance on the types of discrimination.

5. Our Commitments

The company commits to:

  • Create a working environment free of bullying, harassment, victimisation, and unlawful discrimination.
  • Make opportunities for training, development, and progress available to all staff, who will be encouraged to develop their full potential.
  • Make decisions concerning staff based on merit.
  • Review employment practices and procedures when necessary to ensure fairness.
  • Monitor the make-up of the workforce to assess our progress in meeting the aims of this policy.

6. Responsibilities

All staff have a personal responsibility to uphold this policy and treat colleagues with dignity and respect. Management is responsible for ensuring this policy is implemented and for receiving appropriate training to do so.

7. Breaches of this Policy

Any breach of this policy will be taken seriously and may result in disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal.

8. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure it remains effective and compliant with UK law.