Third-Party Harassment and Sexual Harassment.

Birchwood Group is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and respectful working environment for all employees. We have a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of harassment or sexual harassment by third parties, including clients, customers, contractors, suppliers, consultants, and visitors.

Harassment is defined as unwanted conduct related to a protected characteristic (such as age, sex, race, disability, religion, sexual orientation, etc.) that has the purpose or effect of violating a person’s dignity or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating, or offensive environment.

Sexual harassment includes any unwanted conduct of a sexual nature that violates a person’s dignity or creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating, or offensive environment. This applies regardless of intent.

Examples include (but are not limited to):

• Offensive, intimidating or abusive language or behaviour
• Unwelcome sexual advances, comments, or gestures
• Inappropriate physical contact
• Sending or displaying offensive material
• Persistent unwanted attention or communication
• Victimisation or retaliation following a complaint

All third parties engaging with Birchwood Group are expected to:

• Treat our employees and representatives with dignity and respect
• Avoid any conduct that could constitute harassment or sexual harassment
• Comply with our workplace policies and site conduct rules
• Cooperate fully with any investigation into alleged misconduct

Birchwood Group reserves the right to take immediate and appropriate action in response to any breaches of this statement. This may include formal warnings, removal from site, or termination of the business relationship.

We ask all third parties to uphold our values and contribute to a respectful and safe working environment.

For concerns or questions regarding this statement, please contact: HR@birchwoodgroup.co.uk