Policies

Quality Assurance

L&A requires assurance procedures and standards in place within the company for the validation of research and development programmes, and of staff. As quality assurance is vital in a company delivering tailored consultancy programmes, we have set internal targets which are more rigorous than most ISO accredited programmes. We can say this because we have ourselves prepared organisations for Quality Accreditation.

L&A requires all work to be peer reviewed by a leading expert before it is submitted to a client for consideration. This independent review ensures a very high standard of analysis, argument and assessment to make sure recommendations and findings are logical, justified and hold up to scrutiny.

Health and Safety Procedures

Health and Safety Policy

The Health and Safety policy of L&A Consultants, is as far as is reasonably practicable to:

1. provide and maintain a safe and healthy environment for all staff, associates, visitors and outside contractors whilst on L&A premises;
2. outline to all L&A Consultants� staff, associates and visitors their appropriate responsibilities to ensure the health, safety and welfare of persons and to prevent property damage;
3. provide a safe system of work and study by ensuring that adequate information, instruction, training and supervision is given to staff and associates as appropriate;
4. encourage joint consultation and participation in improving health, safety and welfare standards between L&A Consultants� staff and associates through the Health and Safety Meetings and briefing meetings as may be appropriate;
5. comply with the requirements of safety legislation, documents and approved codes of practice;
6. make arrangements for the safe use, handling, storage, disposal and transport of all substances and equipment;
7. monitor the effectiveness of the L&A Consultant's health and safety policy, revise as necessary and bring to the attention of all staff and associates any such revisions.

Under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 it is the responsibility of all L&A Consultant staff and associates to assist and co-operate in ensuring that the highest standard of health, safety and welfare are not only set but are fully maintained.

If the aims of the policy are to be achieved in practice it requires the support and co-operation of all L&A Consultants� staff and associates to fulfil the contents and spirit of the policy to the best of their ability.

Staff and Associates Duties

All L&A Consultants� staff and associates have a responsibility for health and safety under sections 7 and 8 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. All staff and associates are responsible for:

1. Fulfilling the content and spirit of the health and safety policy to the best of their ability:
2. conducting themselves in a manner conducive to safety and the safety of others;
3. co-operating with the L&A Consultants� Directors and others in meeting statutory requirements and approved codes of practice;
4. using equipment provided in the interests of health and safety and in the manner and for the purpose it was intended;
5. reporting all defects in L&A Consultants� equipment through their line manager as appropriate.
6. reporting all accidents as soon as practicable to their line manager, whether injury has been sustained or not, by completing an L&A Consultants� Accident Report Form;
7. adhering to local rules which have been set up in their workplace and in other places where their work may take them;
8. ensuring that the highest standard of housekeeping is maintained in their workplace.

Environmental Strategy

L&A Consultants are committed to promoting greater awareness of sustainability through all of its activities. Through the ways that it manages its resources it seeks to influence staff, associates and its partners and suppliers to recognise the opportunities they have to contribute to social responsibility, sustainable growth and environmental improvement. This is achieved through:

• an environmental management system that seeks to manage environmental risk and continually improve environmental performance
• preventing pollution, minimising waste and promoting resource efficiency including energy, transport and water use associated with its activities and developments
• meeting, and where appropriate exceeding legislative and other requirements
• establishing objectives and targets, carrying out regular audits and acting on complaints and incidents
• where appropriate favouring the purchasing of more sustainable goods and services
• ensuring that staff and associates receive relevant environmental awareness and training where required
• communicating our environmental strategy to clients, suppliers and partners

The Directors have ultimate responsibility for the environmental performance of the company. All staff and associates share this responsibility and they are supported by the environmental partners who advise on best practice and monitor performance and continual improvement.

Equal Opportunity Statement and Race Equality Policy

L&A Consultants are committed to eliminating discrimination and encouraging diversity amongst our staff and associates. Our aim is that our staff and associates will be truly representative of all sections of society and each employee feels respected and able to give of their best.

To that end the purpose of this policy is to provide equality and fairness for all in our employment and not to discriminate on grounds of gender, marital status, race, ethnic origin, colour, nationality, national origin, disability, sexuality, religion or age. We oppose all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination.

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

Our commitment:

• To create an environment in which individual differences and the contributions of all our staff are recognised and valued.
• Every employee is entitled to a working environment that promotes dignity and respect to all. No form of intimidation, bullying or harassment will be tolerated.
• Training, development and progression opportunities are available to all staff.
• Equality in the workplace is good management practice and makes sound business sense.
• We will review all our employment practices and procedures to ensure fairness.
• Breaches of our equality policy will be regarded as misconduct and could lead to disciplinary proceedings.
• This policy is fully supported by Directors and has been agreed with staff and associates� representatives.
• The policy will be monitored and reviewed annually.