Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
At Paratus, we believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion (“DEI”) are essential to our success. Our team thrives on the diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences of our employees. This policy reflects our commitment to fostering a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute to their fullest potential.
Commitment to Diversity
We are proud of our diverse workforce and are committed to maintaining and enhancing this diversity. We define diversity as the unique characteristics and experiences everyone brings, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, socioeconomic status, religion, carer status, marital status and veteran status.
Commitment to Equity
We strive to ensure fairness in our policies, practices, and opportunities. We recognise that equity requires proactive efforts to identify and eliminate barriers that may disadvantage underrepresented or marginalised groups.
Commitment to Inclusion
Inclusion is about creating an environment where everyone feels welcome and supported. At Paratus, we encourage open communication, collaboration, and mutual respect, ensuring all voices are heard and valued.
Key Principles
- Hiring and Recruitment
- We are committed to fair and unbiased recruitment practices that attract a diverse pool of candidates.
- Job descriptions, postings, and interviews are designed to be inclusive and free from discriminatory language or practices.
Equal Opportunity
All employees have equal access to development, training, promotions, and opportunities for advancement. Decisions regarding employment and promotions are based on merit, qualifications, and alignment with the Organisation’s values and goals.
Workplace Environment
We foster a culture of respect and inclusivity where harassment, discrimination, bullying and bias of any kind are not tolerated. Employees are encouraged to speak up if they experience or witness behaviour that violates this policy, without fear of retaliation.
Education and Awareness
Employees are encouraged to participate in DEI initiatives and to continually educate themselves on related topics.
Accountability and Feedback
Leaders are held accountable for promoting and upholding DEI principles within their teams. Employees are encouraged to provide feedback on DEI efforts through open communication channels.
Reporting and Resolving Concerns
Paratus takes all reports of discrimination, harassment, or bias seriously. Any employee who experiences or observes behaviour inconsistent with this policy is encouraged to report it to their Line Manager, Executive leadership, or anonymously via Safecall, our whistleblower partner, details of the whistleblowing policy can be found within this Handbook.
Continuous Improvement
We recognise that building and maintaining a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace is an ongoing journey. We regularly review our policies, practices, and initiatives to ensure they align with our DEI goals and reflect the evolving needs of our team.
Human rights policy
Paratus Group is committed to upholding and promoting human rights principles in all aspects of its operations, both domestically and internationally. We recognize that respect for human rights is essential for sustainable business success and societal well-being. We seek to act in accordance with internationally recognized human rights and standards. We aim to guard against human rights violations and to uphold the human rights of our people and any other individuals that we are in contact with, either directly or indirectly. This policy outlines our commitment to respecting and protecting human rights, as well as our responsibilities towards our employees, stakeholders, and communities.
Scope
This policy applies to all Paratus Group Employees, contractors, suppliers, business partners, and stakeholders involved in our operations in the UK, Guernsey and worldwide. Everyone to whom this policy applies is expected to respect and adhere to this policy.
Principles
Respect for Human Dignity
We respect the inherent dignity of every individual and are committed to promoting a work environment free from discrimination, harassment, bullying and abuse.
Labor Rights
We uphold the rights of all workers, including the right to fair wages, safe working conditions, freedom of association, and the prohibition of forced labour and child labour.
Child Labor
We will not use child labour and will comply with all relevant laws addressing child labour. However, we support legitimate work placements, apprenticeships and internship programmes which comply with applicable laws and regulations.
Modern Slavery
We will not use forced, bonded or involuntary labour, workers will be entitled to leave after giving reasonable notice (or as stipulated in their contracts), with all owed payments made to them. We have a zero-tolerance approach towards human trafficking.
Non-Discrimination
We do not tolerate discrimination based on race, ethnicity, colour, nationality, religion, age, gender, carer status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. Paratus Group promotes diversity and inclusion, and fosters a culture that respects and values differences.
Health and Safety
We are committed to providing an environment that is both safe and healthy for all employees, contractors, and visitors, and to complying with applicable health and safety regulations, in line with our Health & Safety Policy.
Freedom of Expression and Privacy
We respect the rights of individuals to freedom of expression and privacy, in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
Abuse:
We prohibit physical abuse, the threat of physical abuse, sexual or other harassment, verbal abuse or other forms of intimidation. We have a zero-tolerance approach to any form of abuse.
Supply Chain Responsibility
We expect our suppliers and business partners to adhere to the same high standards of respect for human rights as we do and to promote these principles throughout their own operations and supply chains.
Implementation
Training and Awareness
We provide training and resources to all employees to ensure awareness and understanding of human rights issues and their implications for our business operations.
Risk Assessment and Due Diligence
We continuously assess human rights risks associated with our operations and supply chain and take appropriate measures to address any identified risks.
Grievance Mechanisms
Employees and stakeholders are encouraged to raise concerns or grievances related to human rights violations without reprisal, to their Line Manager or the designated officer for the Human Rights policy. Paratus Group will ensure that all grievances reported to Line Managers or the designated officer shall be addressed promptly and impartially. The outcome shall be communicated to the individual who made the initial report.
Monitoring and Reporting
We monitor our compliance with this policy and relevant laws and regulations, and we report on our human rights performance to stakeholders, including through our annual sustainability report.
Accountability
Paratus Group’s leadership team is accountable for ensuring compliance with this policy and for promoting a culture of respect for human rights throughout the organization. Violations of this policy may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment or contract.
Continuous Improvement: We are committed to continuously improving our human rights performance and to reviewing and updating this policy regularly to reflect evolving best practices and stakeholder expectations.
At Paratus Group, we recognize that respecting and promoting human rights is not only a legal and ethical obligation but also a key driver of sustainable business success and social progress. By adhering to the principles outlined in this policy, we reaffirm our commitment to upholding the fundamental rights and dignity of all individuals, both within our organization and in the communities where we operate.