We have an extensive range of policies to ensure that all of our staff are treated fairly and to ensure that we meet all of our legal and statutory obligations as employers. All of our policies are embodied in two manuals.

We have an Employee Handbook – every member of staff has access to this book which covers entitlements and arrangements for holidays, sickness, maternity leave, paternity leave, adoption leave, parental leave and time off for dependants. The manual also covers our disciplinary procedure, code of conduct, and grievance procedure.

All of our unit managers also have a copy of our Personnel Guidance Manual – this guide provides a comprehensive reference to all of our policies and procedures. It covers how we go about recruiting staff and when recruited there is a guide to our induction procedures. Every member of staff is provided with a written statement of particulars (Contract of Employment) and the manual covers all of the entitlements and procedures that are included in the Employee Handbook.

The manual also covers an extensive range of operational procedures: Absence Procedure and Rules, Alcohol and Drugs, Business Gifts, Cash Handling, Communications, Computers, Data Protection Policy, Disclosures and Disclosure Information, Dress and Appearance Guidelines, E-mail and the Internet, Equal Opportunities Policy , Expenses, Food Handling and Hygiene, Health and Safety, Licensed Premises Operating Procedure, Monitoring Policy, Protection of Vulnerable Adults and Young Children, Public Interest Disclosure Policy and Procedure (Whistle-blowing), Telephones and Mobile Telephones, Training Policies, Vehicles and Driving.

We take our responsibilities in respect of the environment very seriously and have an overriding Sustainable Development policy which covers:

• Food supply – local sourcing and food miles, healthy eating, labeling etc.
• Waste minimization – reduce packing, reuse and recycle.
• Energy and water efficiency – correct temperature controls and timing of usage, ventilation and extraction, heating and lighting controls, economical use of supplies.
• Suppliers – Environmental Performance Assessments.
• Cleaning Agents – labeling, storage, biodegradable, minimal use.
• Transport - encourage car sharing and use of public transport, minimise deliveries safe driving, reduce emissions.
• Communication – progress reporting, customer comments, training, monitoring and audit.