Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Policy

Apex Pest Control Ltd  |  Company No: 16815959  |  Last updated: May 2026

Statement of Intent

Apex Pest Control Ltd is committed to encouraging equality, diversity, and inclusion across all aspects of our business — in the way we employ and manage our people, and in the way we deliver services to our clients and the wider public.

We oppose all forms of unlawful discrimination and are committed to creating an environment where every individual is treated with dignity, fairness, and respect. This policy applies to all directors, employees, subcontractors, and anyone acting on behalf of Apex Pest Control Ltd.

Legal Framework

This policy is underpinned by the following UK legislation and guidance:

• Equality Act 2010
• Human Rights Act 1998
• Employment Rights Act 1996
• ACAS Code of Practice on Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures
• Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) Guidance for Businesses
• BPCA Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Guidance for Pest Management Companies

Protected Characteristics

Under the Equality Act 2010, it is unlawful to discriminate against any person because of the following nine protected characteristics:

1. Age
2. Disability
3. Gender reassignment
4. Marriage and civil partnership
5. Pregnancy and maternity
6. Race (including colour, nationality, and ethnic or national origin)
7. Religion or belief
8. Sex
9. Sexual orientation

Types of Discrimination

We recognise and will not tolerate any of the following:

• Direct discrimination — treating someone less favourably because of a protected characteristic
• Indirect discrimination — applying a provision, criterion, or practice that disadvantages people sharing a protected characteristic
• Harassment — unwanted conduct related to a protected characteristic that violates dignity or creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating, or offensive environment
• Victimisation — subjecting someone to a detriment because they have made or supported a complaint under the Equality Act
• Discrimination arising from disability — treating someone unfavourably because of something arising in consequence of their disability
• Failure to make reasonable adjustments — not taking steps to remove a substantial disadvantage faced by a disabled person

Our Commitments to Staff & Subcontractors

Apex Pest Control Ltd will:

• Recruit and manage all staff on the basis of merit, free from unlawful discrimination
• Provide equal access to training, development, and progression opportunities
• Ensure pay and terms of employment are applied fairly and consistently
• Maintain a working environment free from bullying, harassment, and victimisation
• Take all complaints of discrimination or harassment seriously and investigate promptly
• Make reasonable adjustments to support disabled employees or subcontractors

Our Commitments to Clients & the Public

Apex Pest Control Ltd will:

• Provide services without unlawful discrimination on the basis of any protected characteristic
• Treat every client with courtesy, dignity, and respect
• Make reasonable adjustments to ensure disabled clients can access our services
• Not refuse or vary services to any client on the basis of a protected characteristic

Reasonable Adjustments

We have a duty under the Equality Act 2010 to make reasonable adjustments for disabled clients and staff. Depending on the circumstances, this may include:

• Communicating in an alternative format where requested
• Adjusting appointment times or access arrangements
• Adapting working arrangements for a disabled technician or subcontractor
• Considering site access requirements for clients with mobility impairments

Requests for reasonable adjustments should be directed to a director. We will consider each request individually and respond promptly.

Responsibilities

Directors — Tony Johnson, Donna Johnson, and Tom Johnson are responsible for ensuring this policy is implemented, communicated, and reviewed. Tony Johnson is the nominated lead for equality and diversity matters.

All staff and subcontractors are expected to comply with this policy, treat all individuals with dignity and respect, and report any concerns promptly to a director.

Breaches of this policy will be taken seriously and may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment or contract.

Complaints & Grievances

Any person who believes they have experienced or witnessed discrimination, harassment, or victimisation should report it as soon as possible. Reports can be made to:

External advice and support is available from:

• ACAS — acas.org.uk  |  0300 123 1100
• Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS) — equalityadvisoryservice.com  |  0808 800 0082
• Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) — equalityhumanrights.com

Employees have the right to bring a claim to an Employment Tribunal within three months of the alleged act of discrimination.

Review

This policy will be reviewed annually by the directors of Apex Pest Control Ltd, or sooner following any significant change in legislation, guidance, or company circumstances.

Director Sign-Off