Here at TrustFord and TrustFirstParts, we aim to be recognised as an employer of choice. We adopt the highest standard of employment practices, being fully compliant with both the spirit and the letter of all applicable laws and regulations.
Equal Opportunities
It’s our policy to treat all job applicants, colleagues and customers in the same way, regardless of culture, ethnic or national origin, or any other protected characteristics as determined by the Equality Act (2010) which include race, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, age, disability, pregnancy, maternity, religion and belief, or any other grounds. We want to create a business where we value and respect each other, recognising the contribution that we all have to bring. Everything that we do and say has an impact on the person sitting next to us. To be truly successful, we must all consider this in our working lives. We treat our colleagues the way that that we would like to be treated and we’re aware that what one person thinks is an innocent comment or joke could be offensive to someone else. This policy applies to the advertisement of jobs, recruitment, and appointment of new colleagues, training, terms and conditions and to every other aspect of employment at TrustFord. We maintain a neutral working environment in which no worker feels under threat or intimidated. This policy also applies to the treatment of our customers. Any colleague who contravenes this equal opportunities policy will be subject to our disciplinary procedure. In serious cases, this behaviour will constitute gross misconduct resulting in summary dismissal.
Harassment
Any kind of harassment or bullying within the workplace is not tolerated. All cases will be dealt with discreetly but firmly. Harassment is determined as: any unwanted verbal, non-verbal or physical conduct, which another individual considers violates his or her dignity or creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment. Conduct may become harassment or bullying if it continues after the recipient has made it clear that it’s regarded as offensive. However, a single incident may amount to harassment or bullying if it is sufficiently serious. We're committed to ensuring that colleagues feel able to raise complaints about harassment and won’t be penalised for doing so, unless the complaint is found to be malicious. If one of our colleagues is found to have been harassing or bullying another employee or customer, disciplinary action may be taken – up to and including summary dismissal. This policy also covers instances where a colleague may feel harassed or bullied by third parties such as customers, suppliers or visitors to our premises.
Recruitment
We aim to apply fair and transparent recruitment policies. This includes the use of role profiles to assess candidate suitability, personality profiling, attendance at an assessment centre and direct candidate interview.Successful applicants are required to provide details of two references and provide proof of eligibility to work in the UK. Where the role is in scope of FCA regulation, a full background check will be undertaken. All new colleagues are provided with an induction programme appropriate to their role, as well as a formal employment offer letter, a copy of their role profile and a statement of the terms and conditions of their employment.
Reporting Concerns
We encourage colleagues to raise genuine and legitimate concerns connected with the workplace without fear of any detriment, victimisation or disciplinary action. This provides an opportunity for concerns to be investigated and for any appropriate action to be taken so that the matter is resolved effectively.
- Our Standards of Corporate Conduct describe the basic obligations of all colleagues to know and comply with the spirit and the letter of all Company policies and legal requirements related to their work.
- Colleagues are asked to report any known or suspected violations of Company Policy or legal requirements related to the operation of the business, including any known or suspected cases of fraud, losses, organised criminal activity, misuse of computer resources or intellectual property, security or safety concerns, or other improprieties.
- Any colleague who becomes aware of an ‘unusual event’, or has a concern or suspicion of wrongdoing at TrustFord, should initially raise it with their immediate Line Manager. Alternatively, they may contact the Internal Audit and Risk Manager, phone a secure voicemail facility on 01206xxxxxx or e-mail xxxxxx@trustford.co.uk.
- Our Policy prohibits any form of retaliation against individuals who report suspected violations in good faith. Colleagues are not disciplined for raising a legitimate and genuine concern following the procedure set out in this policy.
- Colleagues may also choose to remain anonymous. Every effort will be made to protect the confidence of the colleague who has reported a concern.
- If it is found that the colleague concerned has abused this process by raising unfounded allegations maliciously, they may be subject to disciplinary action.
All reported incidents are thoroughly investigated by the Company’s internal audit team who will take appropriate action. Such action may include disciplinary or criminal proceedings against those who have been involved.
Working Practices
The Working Time Regulations 1998 were put in place to safeguard the health and safety of employees. They regulate hours of work, rest periods, breaks and annual leave – we fully observe the requirements of the Working Time Regulations. However, at their individual choice, colleagues may elect to opt out of certain aspects of the regulations. Hours of work are specified in each contract, but these hours of work may be subject to change following consultation.
- Colleagues are entitled to unpaid breaks of no less than 30 minutes in a standard 9-hour working day. Due to the nature of the business, this break may have to be taken over two 15-minute periods.
- We aim to provide more than the minimum 20 minutes per 6 hours. Breaks will be scheduled in advance where possible – but may vary from day to day to meet the demands of the business.
Young workers
Young workers under the Regulations are those workers aged 15 and over, of compulsory school age but under 18. Young workers enjoy similar rights to adults but with increased protection in respect of daily, weekly and in work rest periods. These regulations limit their daily working to 8 hours per day and 40 hours per week. Night working is prohibited between 10pm - 6 am or 11pm - 7 am. Young workers also receive a 30-minute rest break if the working day is longer than 4 hours, and a weekly rest break of 2 days off per week. Under the Company Health and Safety policy, risk assessments must be carried out for any young worker employed prior to commencement of employment/work experience.