Equal Opportunities

A fair, unprejudiced approach

A commitment to fairness

All members of staff and applicants for employment will be given equality of opportunity to progress to the level of their potential without regard to their:

• gender
• marital or parental status
• ethnic or national origin
• sexual orientation
• religious belief
• political affiliation
• age (subject to contractual retirement age)
• disability.

The Bank is committed to eradicating any unfair or discriminatory practices, whether direct or indirect, should they occur.

An all-embracing policy

All existing and potential customers will be treated courteously and every reasonable effort will be made to ensure that access to the Bank's services is provided solely on the basis of relevant and objective business criteria. This policy applies to:

• all services provided to current and potential customers
• recruitment and selection procedures
• terms and conditions of employment
• grading, salary, work allocation, training and promotion procedures
• procedures relating to the personal conduct and performance of members of staff
• disciplinary and grievance procedures.

How this policy is implemented

The Bank seeks to fulfil this commitment to equal opportunities through the application of policies and procedures which are consistent and equitable and which recognise the expertise and ability of each individual. In addition, training will be provided to assist those whose role it is to oversee the proper implementation of this statement. It remains, however, the responsibility of every member of staff to ensure that the Bank's Equal Opportunities Policy is maintained and implemented at all times.

Our policies and procedures are periodically reviewed to ensure that our Equal Opportunities Statement is being implemented. We will also monitor our success in meeting this commitment by:

• seeking feedback from employees
• seeking feedback from customers where appropriate.