Monitoring key to equality in the workplace: Acas launches new guide

Acas, the employment relations service, has launched a new equality and diversity guide addressing the vital role monitoring plays in equality and diversity in the workplace. The new publication helps employers review, implement and monitor their equality policy.

The guide, available to view for free at www.acas.org.uk, shows employers how to approach equality and diversity in areas such as recruitment, pay and training. It also recommends that the policy should be backed up with a constantly monitored action plan.

An action plan represents a businessís promise to treat all employees fairly and considerately. To make sure this promise becomes a reality, the guide advises employers to:

Review existing action plans or write a new policy if one does not exist

Monitor how the policy is working in practice; a critical stage in delivering equality in the workplace

Take action when and where it is needed to re-address any inequality

Steve Williams, Acas Equality and Diversity expert commented:

ëTo really get to grips with equality and diversity in the workplace can be a complicated topic. So this guide will be a valuable resource for businesses and managers. Putting in place the measures to implement a balanced and fair workplace will create benefits for businesses and employees.í