Recruiting staff and associates Recruitment Policy Statement: As an equal opportunities employer SmithMartin treats all applicants for positions with the Partnership fairly and equitably. The Partners recognise the importance of equality of opportunity for all and also recognise the benefits derived from having a diversity of talent, skills and potential within the partnership. SmithMartin recognises its responsibilities with regard to the fair treatment of associates, staff, volunteers and service users. This fair treatment will be effected regardless of age, race, gender, disability, religion, sexual orientation,and responsibilities for dependants. All candidates will be selected for interview on the basis of their skills, qualifications and experience in relation to the requirements of the job. All recruitment information, interview processes and interview outcomes will be conducted in accordance with these statements. For positions where it is considered relevant, a disclosure from the Criminal Records Bureau of the presence of a criminal record will be required. This will be made clear to applicants during the recruitment process. Consequently, it follows that any offer of employment to such positions will be conditional upon further assessment of the relevance of any conviction/s to the job in question before being confirmed. It is Partnership policy that no employment may be undertaken without the completion of all these relevant checks and references.