Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Last updated: 23/06/2026
Last reviewed: 23/06/2026

Purpose

Zoocha is committed to creating an inclusive, respectful and fair working environment where everyone can contribute, develop and feel that they belong.

The purpose of this policy is to set out Zoocha's commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion across our workplace, recruitment practices, employment decisions, supplier relationships and wider business activities.

We believe that diverse perspectives, backgrounds and experiences strengthen our culture, improve decision-making and help us deliver better outcomes for our clients, users and communities.

Scope

This policy applies to:

• Employees.
• Contractors and consultants.
• Directors and members of the Management Team.
• Job applicants and prospective employees.
• Suppliers, partners and third parties working with or on behalf of Zoocha.

This policy applies across all Zoocha locations and working arrangements, including office-based, remote, hybrid and international working.

Policy Statement

Zoocha is committed to providing equal opportunities and preventing discrimination, harassment, victimisation and unfair treatment.

We will not tolerate discrimination on the grounds of:

• Age.
• Disability.
• Gender reassignment.
• Marriage or civil partnership.
• Pregnancy or maternity.
• Race, colour, nationality, ethnic origin or national origin.
• Religion or belief.
• Sex.
• Sexual orientation.

We also recognise that people may experience disadvantage or exclusion because of other factors, including social or economic background, caring responsibilities, neurodiversity, working pattern, location, health, language, education, or personal circumstances.

Zoocha is committed to making fair, objective and inclusive decisions, and to creating a workplace where people are treated with dignity and respect.

Inclusive Culture

Zoocha recognises that policies alone do not create an inclusive culture. Inclusion must be reflected in everyday behaviour, leadership, communication, decision-making and ways of working.

We aim to create an environment where:

• People are respected and listened to.
• Different perspectives are valued.
• Everyone has the opportunity to contribute.
• Reasonable adjustments are made where required.
• Barriers to participation are identified and addressed.
• Discrimination, harassment and exclusion are challenged.
• People feel safe to raise concerns.

Our approach is guided by Zoocha's values of being open and inclusive, creative and curious, collaborative and accountable, adaptive and agile.

Recruitment, Progression and Employment

Zoocha is committed to fair and inclusive recruitment, selection, development and progression practices.

We aim to ensure that employment decisions are based on relevant skills, experience, capability, values alignment and role requirements.

This includes:

• Using fair and inclusive recruitment processes.
• Considering reasonable adjustments during recruitment and employment.
• Supporting access to training and development.
• Promoting fair performance and progression practices.
• Reviewing employment practices where barriers or inequalities are identified.

Accessibility and Reasonable Adjustments

Zoocha is committed to supporting disabled people and people with long-term health conditions, neurodivergent conditions or other access needs.

We will consider reasonable adjustments to remove or reduce barriers during recruitment, employment, meetings, training, communication and day-to-day work.

Employees and candidates are encouraged to tell us where adjustments may help them participate fully and effectively.

Behaviour and Expectations

All personnel are expected to:

• Treat colleagues, clients, suppliers and partners with dignity and respect.
• Act in a way that supports equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Avoid discriminatory, exclusionary, bullying or harassing behaviour.
• Challenge inappropriate behaviour where safe and appropriate.
• Report concerns through the relevant management, HR, grievance or whistleblowing route.

Behaviour that breaches this policy may be managed through Zoocha's disciplinary, grievance or other appropriate governance processes.

Workforce Monitoring and Improvement

Zoocha may monitor and review equality, diversity and inclusion information to help understand how we are performing and where improvement may be needed.

This may include reviewing:

• Workforce diversity information.
• Recruitment and progression trends.
• Employee feedback.
• Training and awareness activities.
• Wellbeing and engagement feedback.
• Supplier, partner and client-related EDI considerations where relevant.

Any personal data used for monitoring will be handled in accordance with Zoocha's Data Protection Policy and privacy obligations.

Wellbeing and Belonging

Zoocha recognises that inclusion and wellbeing are closely connected.

We aim to support a working environment where people have:

• Autonomy in how they work.
• Clarity about expectations.
• Opportunities to develop their skills.
• Support from managers and colleagues.
• A voice in the workplace.
• Respect for individual circumstances and working styles.
• A safe and positive working environment.

Wellbeing arrangements are supported through Zoocha's wider HR, health and safety, performance management and people management processes.

Roles and Responsibilities

Related Internal Policies and Documents

• Code of Conduct.
• Recruitment procedures.
• Performance Review Process.
• Grievance Procedure.
• Disciplinary Procedure.
• Whistleblowing Policy.
• Data Protection Policy.
• Health and Safety Policy.
• Accessibility Statement.
• Working at Zoocha guidance.
• Personnel Management Control Policy.

Policy Review

This policy shall be reviewed in accordance with Zoocha's Document Management Policy and whenever significant legal, organisational or governance changes occur.

Reviews should consider employee feedback, monitoring data, audit findings, changes in legislation, lessons learned and opportunities to strengthen inclusion across Zoocha.