Last updated: 01.01.2026
O Architecture (“the Practice”, “we”, or “us”) is committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of its professional activities. The Practice recognises that a diverse and inclusive environment strengthens creativity, encourages innovation, and supports the delivery of high-quality architectural services.
This policy sets out the Practice’s commitment to ensuring that individuals are treated with fairness, dignity, and respect regardless of their background or personal characteristics.
O Architecture aims to maintain a professional environment in which discrimination, harassment, or unfair treatment is not tolerated.
1. Purpose of This Policy
The purpose of this policy is to:
- promote equality of opportunity within the Practice’s activities
- encourage diversity and inclusion in professional relationships
- ensure fair treatment of employees, consultants, clients, and collaborators
- prevent discrimination, harassment, and victimisation
- comply with the requirements of the Equality Act 2010 and other relevant legislation.
The Practice recognises that inclusive professional practices contribute to stronger collaboration and improved outcomes for clients and stakeholders.
2. Scope of the Policy
This policy applies to all individuals associated with O Architecture, including:
- employees
- architectural consultants and collaborators
- contractors and freelancers
- clients and project stakeholders
- suppliers and professional partners.
The policy applies across all professional activities undertaken by the Practice including architectural design work, consultancy services, project collaborations, and client engagements.
3. Principles of Equality and Inclusion
O Architecture is committed to maintaining a professional environment in which:
- individuals are treated with dignity and respect
- diversity of background and perspective is recognised and valued
- professional opportunities are based on merit, competence, and experience
- discriminatory behaviour is not tolerated.
The Practice believes that inclusive professional environments encourage creativity, innovation, and effective collaboration.
4. Protected Characteristics
In accordance with the Equality Act 2010, discrimination is prohibited on the basis of the following protected characteristics:
- age
- disability
- gender reassignment
- marriage or civil partnership
- pregnancy and maternity
- race
- religion or belief
- sex
- sexual orientation.
O Architecture is committed to ensuring that individuals are not disadvantaged because of any protected characteristic.
5. Equal Opportunities
The Practice aims to ensure that professional opportunities are offered fairly and objectively.
This includes decisions relating to:
- recruitment or engagement of consultants and collaborators
- allocation of project roles or responsibilities
- professional partnerships and collaborations
- participation in architectural projects and initiatives.
All decisions will be based on professional merit, qualifications, experience, and the needs of the project.
6. Prevention of Discrimination and Harassment
O Architecture maintains a zero-tolerance approach to discrimination, harassment, or victimisation.
Examples of unacceptable behaviour may include:
- discriminatory comments or conduct
- harassment or intimidation
- offensive or inappropriate language
- exclusion based on protected characteristics.
Such behaviour may lead to disciplinary action or termination of professional relationships where appropriate.
7. Inclusive Professional Practices
The Practice seeks to foster inclusive professional practices across its architectural activities.
This includes promoting:
- respectful communication within project teams
- inclusive collaboration between consultants and stakeholders
- fair and transparent professional relationships
- equal opportunity within project participation.
These principles help ensure that professional interactions remain respectful and constructive.
8. Accessibility and Reasonable Adjustments
Where reasonably practicable, O Architecture will seek to accommodate accessibility requirements that enable individuals to participate in professional activities.
This may include reasonable adjustments relating to:
- meeting arrangements
- communication methods
- participation in project activities where feasible.
The Practice recognises the importance of supporting accessibility and inclusion wherever possible.
9. Reporting Concerns
Individuals who believe they have experienced discrimination or inappropriate behaviour in connection with the Practice’s activities are encouraged to raise their concerns.
Concerns may be raised through appropriate communication channels or through the Practice’s complaints procedures where applicable.
The Practice will take reasonable steps to review concerns and address issues in a fair and objective manner.
10 .Responsibility for Implementation
Responsibility for maintaining an inclusive and respectful professional environment rests with all individuals associated with the Practice.
Employees, consultants, collaborators, and partners are expected to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the principles outlined in this policy.
11. Continuous Improvement
O Architecture recognises that equality and inclusion are ongoing commitments.
The Practice may periodically review its policies and professional practices to ensure that they continue to support fair and inclusive standards.
12. Policy Review
This Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Policy will be reviewed periodically to ensure that it remains aligned with current legislation and best professional practices.