Equality & Diversity Policy

Policy Statement

CPS Services is committed to eliminating discrimination, promoting diversity, and providing equal opportunities, which is demonstrated through our employment policies, procedures and practices. Our aim is that our workforce will be truly representative of all sections of society and each person feels respected and able to give of their best.

All employees have a duty to co-operate to ensure that this policy is effective in ensuring equal opportunities and preventing discrimination. Disciplinary action will be taken against any employee who breaches this policy, and serious breaches will be treated as gross misconduct.

All employees will be helped and encouraged to develop their full potential, and the talents and resources of the workforce will be fully utilised to maximise the efficiency of the organisation.

The purpose of this policy is to provide diversity and equality to all in employment, irrespective of protected characteristics such as gender, gender reassignment, race, ethnic origin, pregnancy, disability, age, nationality, national origin, sexuality, religion or belief, marital status, civil partnership and social class. We oppose all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination.

All employees, whether part time, full time or temporary, will be treated fairly, equally and with respect. Selection for employment, promotion, training or any other benefit will be on the basis of aptitude and ability.

Our Commitment:

  • To ensure our activities are of high quality and responsive to our clients’ needs.
  • To incorporate the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact into our strategies, policies and procedures, establishing a culture of integrity.
  • Every employee is entitled to a working environment which promotes dignity and respect. No form of intimidation, bullying or harassment will be tolerated.
  • To ensure our company fulfils its legal obligations under equal opportunities legislation and complies with relevant codes of practice.
  • To create an environment in which individual differences and the contributions of all staff are recognised and valued.
  • Breaches of this policy will be regarded as misconduct and may lead to disciplinary proceedings.
  • This policy will be monitored and reviewed annually.

Responsibility for enforcement of this policy rests with the Directors, who monitor the effectiveness of the policy and associated initiatives. All employees have an obligation to avoid discrimination and promote equal opportunities.

Equality and Diversity at Work

To ensure that equality underpins all aspects of our employment policies, procedures and practices, we aim to:

  • Ensure our employment, training and development policies, procedures and practices comply with this policy and do not discriminate intentionally or unintentionally.
  • Promote and develop policies that support work-life balance, equal pay and maximised employment opportunities for all.
  • Monitor our employment processes by age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, religion and race and take action to address any apparent inequalities.
  • Recruit employees in a manner which is fair and open.
  • Ensure employees are aware of their personal responsibility to apply this policy.
  • Eliminate discrimination in the provision of training and development.
  • Ensure Managers and Supervisors undertake relevant training in equal opportunity issues.
  • Promote a culture of fairness and respect.
  • Provide appropriate training and development opportunities to all employees regardless of protected characteristics.
  • Take positive action to encourage under-represented groups to apply for posts or training.
  • Ensure pay structures reward all employees fairly.
  • Recognise employees’ right to work in a supportive and safe environment free from harassment.
  • Ensure procedures are in place for equal pay.
  • Make reasonable access adjustments, wherever possible, for the employment and redeployment of staff with disabilities.

Guidelines for Recruitment

  1. Appointments are based on merit, competence and ability to do the job.
  2. All jobs are promoted externally and internally.
  3. Job advertisements carry wording designed to encourage applicants from all sections of the community.
  4. Recruitment literature describes jobs without gender, race or disability bias.
  5. We strive to increase the participation rate and employment outcomes of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islanders across all levels.
  6. A range of advertising media is used to attract applicants from all sections of the community.
  7. All applicants are assessed using the same evaluation and selection criteria.
  8. Selection criteria are not set to unlawfully discriminate on any protected ground and relate solely to the requirements of the job.
  9. Age limits or length-of-service restrictions are not applied as criteria unless justified under Commonwealth or state legislation.
  10. Disabled job applicants who meet the essential criteria are guaranteed an interview.
  11. Selection tests are job-related and validated to avoid bias.
  12. Selection panel members are clearly informed of selection criteria; wherever possible, at least two people interview each applicant.

Where necessary to assess whether personal circumstances (e.g. irregular hours, travel) will affect job performance, this is discussed objectively and asked equally of all candidates. Appropriate interview arrangements are offered to disabled applicants who identify themselves at the application stage.

Monitoring and Evaluation

We monitor the effectiveness of this policy by keeping records of our recruitment and selection processes, reviewing practices where shortfalls are identified, and implementing recommendations. This takes into account information such as gender, race, age, disability, and marital status.

Terms and Conditions

  1. All vacant posts are open for job-sharing unless considered unsuitable for maintaining work efficiency.
  2. Employees may apply to their manager for a job-share arrangement.
  3. Where an employee becomes disabled as a result of accident or illness, reasonable adjustments are made to support continued employment.
  4. Where an employee has cultural needs that may conflict with work requirements, consideration is given to varying requirements, with advice sought from the line manager.
  5. Leave requests above annual entitlement are handled under the Company Leave Policy, with options to accumulate leave for extended requirements.
  6. Sexual harassment is viewed as a form of sex discrimination and will not be condoned or tolerated. Affected employees should follow the issue resolution process.
  7. Racial harassment is viewed as a form of racial discrimination and will not be condoned or tolerated. Affected employees should follow the issue resolution process.
  8. Provisions relating to maternity leave and pay are set out in legislation and company policy. Maternity leave will not be treated as an obstacle to career progression.
  9. Other terms and conditions of employment are not related to gender, marital status, ethnic origin or disability.
  10. Employees with recruitment, selection or supervisory responsibilities are encouraged to undertake training in equal opportunities.

Appraisal, Training, Career Development, Promotion and Transfer

  1. Internal promotion follows the same principles as external recruitment.
  2. Performance and development reviews relate specifically to the individual’s job and career, avoiding bias based on protected characteristics.
  3. Pay progression for trainees or apprentices is not based on gender, marital status, age, disability or ethnic origin.
  4. Employees are encouraged to take up training and advancement opportunities, with proactive support for under-represented groups, particularly in senior management.
  5. Employees with direct public contact are encouraged to undertake customer service training.
  6. Redeployment procedures due to operational change are free from bias on any protected ground.
  7. Employees seeking redeployment on grounds of disability or ill-health are assisted where appropriate from external agencies.

Dismissal and Redundancy

  1. Dismissal decisions are not made on the grounds of gender, marital status, disability or ethnic origin, and follow the Company’s disciplinary process.
  2. Intentional acts of race or sex discrimination, and racial or sexual harassment, are regarded as gross misconduct and a dismissible offence.
  3. Redundancy selection does not take account of protected characteristics, and criteria such as ‘part-timer first’ or ‘last in, first out’ are not applied where they would have a disproportionately adverse effect on women or minority groups.
  4. Employees found guilty of theft or bringing the company into disrepute may be dismissed.

Equal Opportunities for All

This policy also seeks to ensure the Company does not discriminate on grounds such as age, sexual orientation, trade union activity, religious and political belief, poverty and social exclusion, in addition to legislated protected characteristics. We strive to increase the participation rate and employment outcomes of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islanders across all levels.

Equal Opportunity in Service Delivery

Customer First Policy CPS Services takes active steps to provide equal opportunities in service delivery and employment. Customers will not be treated less favourably because of race, colour, national or ethnic origin, gender, marital status, disability, sexuality, age or religious belief. We encourage the development of understanding and appreciation of diversity, and expect our workforce to treat colleagues and customers equally and with respect.

Accessibility of Services We work with local communities to provide a safe environment in accordance with our Occupational Health and Safety policies.

Planning and Improving Services

  • We ensure our workforce and service delivery reflect the community we serve.
  • We continually review and improve services to meet customer needs.
  • We consult widely with clients and staff and seek feedback as part of our quality assurance.
  • We aim to enhance our reputation as a provider of high quality services.

Monitoring and Improving Performance

Monitoring: We monitor service quality and the effectiveness of our equal opportunities policies, act on customer and staff feedback, and provide regular reporting on service quality including the views of service users.

Improving Performance: We provide clear information on how to complain, respond to complaints within an agreed timescale, communicate action taken, and treat all complaints fairly and consistently.

Code of Conduct

All employees represent CPS Services in carrying out their duties and are expected to understand and comply with our Equal Opportunity Policies, ensuring customers, clients, stakeholders and members of the public are treated equally and fairly, free from discrimination, harassment or victimisation based on race, sex, disability, sexuality, marital status or religion.

Sexual Harassment Sexual harassment is unwanted and unwelcome conduct — including comments, looks, actions, suggestions or physical contact — that a person finds offensive. This is not tolerated when experienced by women or men.

Our Staff We aim to have a workforce that reflects the communities we serve, achieved through this policy’s application in recruitment and selection. We offer training and promotion equally to staff, take disciplinary action against breaches, develop the potential of under-represented groups, and maintain a safe, harassment-free environment.

Our Customers CPS Services has a duty of care to ensure customers are treated fairly and without prejudice, and expects customers to treat our staff fairly and equally in return. Discrimination or harassment in either direction will be acted upon.

Sexual Orientation It is unacceptable to victimise or harass clients, members of the public or colleagues on the grounds of sexuality. Harassment, discrimination and victimisation will not be tolerated, and disciplinary action will be taken against anyone found guilty of such conduct.

Translation and Equality CPS Services bridges communication gaps with service users who may struggle to communicate in English, drawing on staff knowledge and diversity.

Managerial Responsibilities

Responsibility for implementation rests with Senior Management, who ensure all reasonable and practical steps are taken to avoid discrimination. Managers will demonstrate commitment to the policy, communicate it to employees, ensure understanding of responsibilities, and deal promptly and thoroughly with any complaints of discrimination, harassment, victimisation or bullying.

The Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact

Corporate sustainability starts with a company’s value system and a principled approach to doing business, meeting fundamental responsibilities in human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption. CPS Services has adopted the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact:

Human Rights
Principle 1: Support and respect the protection of internationally proclaimed human rights.
Principle 2: Ensure non-complicity in human rights abuses.

Labour
Principle 3: Uphold freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining.
Principle 4: Eliminate all forms of forced and compulsory labour.
Principle 5: Support the effective abolition of child labour.
Principle 6: Eliminate discrimination in employment and occupation.

Environment
Principle 7: Support a precautionary approach to environmental challenges.
Principle 8: Undertake initiatives to promote greater environmental responsibility.
Principle 9: Encourage the development and diffusion of environmentally friendly technologies.

Anti-Corruption
Principle 10: Work against corruption in all its forms, including extortion and bribery.

This policy was last reviewed June 2026.