Equal Opportunities Policy

Last updated: 13 August 2026

Introduction

Summus Technology Solutions Ltd is committed to providing equal opportunities to all employees, workers, contractors and job applicants, and to ensuring that no one is treated less favourably because of a protected characteristic.

This policy sets out our approach to equal opportunities in recruitment, employment, training and promotion, and should be read alongside our Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Policy, which sets out our broader commitment to building an inclusive culture.

This policy applies to all employees, workers, contractors, directors and job applicants.

Our Commitment

We are committed to ensuring that no employee, worker, contractor or job applicant receives less favourable treatment because of:

  • Age;
  • Disability;
  • Gender reassignment;
  • Marriage or civil partnership;
  • Pregnancy or maternity;
  • Race (including colour, nationality, and ethnic or national origin);
  • Religion or belief;
  • Sex;
  • Sexual orientation.

These are the protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010. We also aim to ensure that no one is disadvantaged because of any other characteristic unrelated to their ability to do their job.

This commitment applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment and selection, terms and conditions, pay, training, promotion, transfer, and any decision to end someone’s employment or engagement.

Recruitment and Selection

We select candidates for employment or engagement based solely on merit, skills, qualifications and experience relevant to the role. In particular, we aim to:

  • Base job descriptions and person specifications only on the genuine requirements of the role;
  • Advertise vacancies in a way that reaches a wide and diverse range of candidates;
  • Shortlist, interview and select candidates using consistent, objective, job-related criteria;
  • Ensure that those involved in recruitment decisions understand and follow this policy;
  • Make reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process for candidates with a disability.

Employment, Pay and Progression

Once employed or engaged, everyone at Summus Technology has equal access to:

  • Fair and transparent pay and benefits for the same or equivalent work;
  • Training and development opportunities relevant to their role;
  • Promotion and career progression, based on ability and performance;
  • Flexible and hybrid working arrangements, where the role allows.

Decisions about pay, promotion, training and termination are made on objective, job-related grounds, and not influenced by any protected characteristic.

Harassment, Bullying and Victimisation

We will not tolerate harassment, bullying or victimisation of any employee, worker, contractor, client or supplier connected with our business. This includes unwanted conduct related to a protected characteristic that violates someone’s dignity, or creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment.

Anyone who believes they have experienced or witnessed harassment, bullying or victimisation is encouraged to raise it with their manager or by contacting us directly, without fear of reprisal. All concerns raised will be treated seriously, investigated fairly, and acted upon.

Reasonable Adjustments

We will make reasonable adjustments to remove or reduce disadvantages faced by employees, workers or job applicants with a disability, in areas including the recruitment process, the working environment, and how a role is carried out.

Raising a Concern

If you believe you have been treated unfairly, or have witnessed unfair treatment, in a way that may breach this policy, you should raise it with your manager or contact us directly at legal@summus-technology.co.uk. Concerns will be handled sensitively, investigated promptly, and, where appropriate, addressed through our disciplinary or grievance procedures.

Responsibilities

Overall responsibility for this policy sits with the senior management of Summus Technology. All managers are responsible for applying this policy consistently in recruitment, day-to-day management and career development decisions. All employees, workers and contractors are expected to comply with this policy and to treat colleagues, clients and suppliers fairly and with respect.

Breach of This Policy

Any employee found to have breached this policy may be subject to disciplinary action. Where the breach involves a contractor, supplier or other third party, we may end our relationship with them.

Monitoring and Review

We will review the effectiveness of this policy at least annually, including by reviewing recruitment outcomes and any concerns raised, and will make changes where we identify opportunities to improve.

This policy was approved by senior management and published on 13 August 2026, and will next be reviewed no later than August 2027.

If you have questions about this policy, or wish to raise a concern, please contact us at legal@summus-technology.co.uk.