> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://policies.aic.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://policies.aic.io/equal-opportunities-policy.md). # Equal Opportunities Policy ### Purpose AIC is committed to providing equal opportunities across recruitment, engagement, progression, supplier relationships and customer delivery. People should be assessed on capability, conduct, experience, potential, professionalism and the requirements of the role or engagement. AIC does not tolerate unlawful discrimination, unfair exclusion or biased decision-making. ### Policy Statement AIC will take reasonable steps to ensure that decisions affecting people are fair, objective and relevant to the work being performed. This applies to: * recruitment * selection * onboarding * training * promotion * pay and reward * access to work opportunities * supplier engagement * subcontractor selection * customer delivery teams * disciplinary and grievance processes * termination or offboarding ### Our Standard AIC expects decisions to be: * evidence-based * role-relevant * documented where appropriate * free from unlawful discrimination * free from harassment, bullying or victimisation * consistent with security, contractual and customer requirements ### Protected Characteristics AIC will not discriminate on the basis of: * age * disability * gender reassignment * marriage and civil partnership * pregnancy and maternity * race * religion or belief * sex * sexual orientation AIC also expects respectful treatment regardless of working pattern, caring responsibilities, socioeconomic background, nationality, accent, neurodiversity, education route, veteran status or any other irrelevant personal circumstance. ### Recruitment and Selection Recruitment and selection must focus on the requirements of the role. Where practical, AIC will: * use clear role descriptions * assess applicants consistently * avoid irrelevant criteria * consider transferable skills * make reasonable adjustments where needed * avoid discriminatory language in adverts * document selection decisions where appropriate ### Reasonable Adjustments AIC will consider reasonable adjustments for disabled applicants, employees, contractors or workers. Adjustments may relate to: * interview format * working arrangements * tools or equipment * communication format * physical or digital accessibility * working hours * task structure The aim is to remove unnecessary barriers so people can participate and perform effectively. ### Progression and Opportunity AIC supports fair access to opportunity. Managers and delivery leads should ensure that opportunities are allocated according to: * capability * performance * readiness * development need * business requirement * customer or security constraints Opportunities must not be allocated based on favouritism, bias, exclusionary behaviour or personal prejudice. ### Supplier and Subcontractor Equality Suppliers and subcontractors working with AIC are expected to maintain fair and lawful employment and engagement practices. AIC may take action where supplier conduct conflicts with this policy. ### Raising Concerns Anyone who believes this policy has been breached should raise the matter with an appropriate manager, delivery lead, commercial lead or company director. Concerns will be taken seriously and handled fairly. ### No Retaliation AIC does not tolerate retaliation against anyone who raises a concern in good faith. --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://policies.aic.io/equal-opportunities-policy.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.