FCo Rural Estates Newsletter Spring 2022 - Flipbook - Page 23
Positive action should not be confused with positive discrimination, ie preferential
treatment of a person because of a protected characteristic, which is unlawful.
Examples of positive action include inviting applications from target groups, providing
mentoring / work shadowing and creating work-based support groups.
Training
The education and training of all members of staff is an essential part of creating a safe
work environment. EDI training should be provided to staff on a regular basis. Training is
also an opportunity for the estate to bring its values to life.
Managing concerns
Grievance policies should provide employees with a clear channel for raising their
concerns. If an employee makes an allegation of discrimination or harassment, it is vital
that it is dealt with promptly and fairly under the appropriate policy. Even if a complaint
does not describe itself as a grievance, it should not be ignored. It may be that the matter
can be resolved on an informal basis such that a formal process is not needed, but
disputes are likely to arise where managers fail to take allegations seriously or follow the
prescribed procedure. This will harm employee confidence that they will be listened to.
Where concerns are raised, you should take appropriate, proportionate steps to address
them, including considering whether disciplinary action is appropriate.
Policies and ongoing monitoring
Policies should be regularly reviewed to ensure they remain coherent, relevant and
legally compliant, and the impact of any EDI measures should be monitored over time.
You may find it helpful to engage an external organisation to review EDI in your estate, to
provide more ideas about what more you might wish to do.
Prioritising EDI has clear benefits from a cultural and commercial perspective. As
with other businesses, estates are increasingly likely to be called to account on EDI
matters, which brings in reputational considerations too. At a time when businesses are
increasingly expected to reflect on their culture and impact, forward-thinking estates can
be doing the same.
For further information, see our article on creating an effective equality, diversity and
inclusion strategy here.
“
At a time when businesses are increasingly expected
to reflect on their culture and impact, forward-thinking
estates can be doing the same.
Rural Estates Newsletter
Spring 2022
23