LGBTQ Policy

Last updated: 8th May 2024

Introduction

At AS LEGAL AND FINANCIAL SERVICES LIMITED, trading as Williams Loans, we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and supportive work environment for all our employees, including those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ). This LGBTQ Policy outlines our commitment to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion for LGBTQ employees and customers and guides how we will achieve this goal.

Our Commitment

We believe everyone should be treated with respect, dignity, and fairness, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression. We are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive work environment where all employees, including LGBTQ employees, can thrive and reach their full potential. We also strive to ensure that our services are accessible and responsive to the needs of our LGBTQ customers.

Our Principles

  1. Non-discrimination: We are committed to providing all our employees and customers equal opportunities and eliminating discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression. We will not tolerate any form of discrimination, harassment, or victimization against LGBTQ employees or customers.
  2. Inclusivity: We recognize and value the diversity of our employees and customers, including those who identify as LGBTQ. We are committed to fostering an inclusive work environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression.
  3. Training and awareness: We provide training and raise awareness among our employees about LGBTQ issues, including the importance of using inclusive language and respecting individuals’ preferred names and pronouns. This training is provided to all new employees during their induction and is periodically refreshed for existing employees.
  4. Recruitment and career development: We are committed to ensuring that our recruitment and career development processes are fair, transparent, and inclusive for all candidates and employees, including those who identify as LGBTQ. We actively seek to remove any potential barriers to the recruitment, retention, and career progression of LGBTQ employees.
  5. Support and resources: We support LGBTQ employees, including access to employee resource groups, mentoring programs, and mental health and well-being resources. We also encourage our employees to participate in LGBTQ-focused events and initiatives, both internally and externally.
  6. Customer service: We are committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for all our customers, including those who identify as LGBTQ. We ensure that our services are accessible and responsive to the needs of our LGBTQ customers, and we provide training for our employees on how to deliver inclusive customer service.

Implementation and Monitoring

We will take the following steps to implement and monitor our LGBTQ Policy:

  1. Leadership commitment: Our senior management team and Board of Directors are committed to championing LGBTQ equality and inclusion within our organization and will actively promote this policy at all levels of the business.
  2. Policy review and update: We will regularly review and update this LGBTQ Policy to ensure that it remains relevant and effective in promoting LGBTQ equality, diversity, and inclusion within our organization.
  3. Training and awareness: We will provide ongoing training and raise awareness among our employees about LGBTQ issues and our commitment to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion for LGBTQ employees and customers.
  4. Monitoring and reporting: We will monitor the implementation of this LGBTQ Policy and regularly report on our progress towards achieving our goals in this area. We will also encourage employee and customer feedback on our efforts to promote LGBTQ equality, diversity, and inclusion. We will take appropriate action in response to any reported concerns or issues.

External Resources

For further information and support related to LGBTQ equality and inclusion, please refer to the following external resources:

  1. Stonewall: https://www.stonewall.org.uk/
  2. Human Rights Campaign: https://www.hrc.org/
  3. GLAAD: https://www.glaad.org/
  4. PFLAG: https://pflag.org/

  1. Complaints and Concerns
  2. We encourage our employees and customers to raise concerns or complaints about LGBTQ-related discrimination, harassment, or victimization within our organization. We will investigate and take appropriate action in response to any reported incidents, including disciplinary action against employees and reporting to relevant authorities where necessary.
  3. If you have any questions or concerns about our LGBTQ Policy or wish to report an incident, please email us at lgbtq@onlineloanss.co.uk.
  4. Conclusion
  5. At AS LEGAL AND FINANCIAL SERVICES LIMITED, trading as Williams Loans, we are committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion for all our employees and customers, including those who identify as LGBTQ. By implementing this LGBTQ Policy, we aim to create a supportive and inclusive work environment where everyone feels valued and respected, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression.
  6. AS LEGAL AND FINANCIAL SERVICES LIMITED 120 Carstairs Street Strathclyde Business Centre Glasgow, G40 4JD United Kingdom