Gender Equality and Inclusion Plan

Introduction

BIO OIL GROUP is committed to fostering a workplace culture based on respect, diversity, and equal opportunity. This plan reflects our ongoing commitment to promoting gender equality and inclusion as guiding principles in how we lead, manage, and collaborate. While the plan outlines concrete steps, it is also intended as a living framework that can evolve as our organisation grows and our understanding deepens.

This plan sits alongside our Code of Conduct and our Human Rights Policy, which set out our broader commitments on non-discrimination, equal opportunity and respect for human rights.

Governance and Accountability

Overall responsibility for implementing the Gender Equality and Inclusion Plan rests with executive management. Our designated Compliance Officer is responsible for its implementation, coordinating the integration of gender equality principles into organisational policies, recruitment, leadership, and professional development, and reports directly to executive management to ensure accountability and transparency in all initiatives. This plan is reviewed annually.

Resources and Implementation

BIO OIL GROUP will allocate appropriate time, expertise, and budgetary resources to implement the plan effectively. Actions will be embedded into existing HR and management systems to ensure sustainability. Additional resources will be devoted to awareness campaigns, staff training, and progress evaluations.

Monitoring and Transparency

Progress will be measured through data collection and analysis disaggregated by gender across key areas such as recruitment, career progression, remuneration, and training access. Findings will inform future actions and be summarised in an annual progress report to executive management.

Capacity Building and Awareness

The company will promote awareness and skills that foster inclusion. Regular training will be provided on topics including unconscious bias, inclusive leadership, and respectful workplace behaviour. Managers will receive targeted guidance to help identify and remove barriers to equality within their teams.

Inclusive Culture and Work–Life Balance

Objective

To create and maintain a company culture where inclusion, fairness, and flexibility are integral to how we work. BIO OIL GROUP recognises that inclusion and work–life balance are mutually reinforcing and essential for attracting, retaining, and developing diverse talent.

Rationale

An inclusive culture values each employee’s perspective and promotes belonging. Work–life balance ensures that all employees can contribute fully while managing personal responsibilities. Together, they form the foundation of a supportive, equitable, and productive workplace.

Key Actions

  • Leadership and accountability
    • Embed inclusion and flexibility goals within leadership and management practices.
    • Communicate a consistent message from executive management that inclusivity is a company priority.
  • Inclusive recruitment and career development
    • Ensure gender-neutral and bias-free language in job postings and evaluations.
    • Promote equal access to career development, mentoring, and progression opportunities.
    • Monitor diversity data across departments and roles.
  • Training and awareness
    • Provide regular training on inclusion, bias awareness, and respectful conduct.
    • Recognise and reward inclusive behaviour and leadership.
  • Flexible work practices
    • Offer flexible working arrangements, including remote, hybrid, or part-time options.
    • Encourage both men and women to use flexible and parental leave options without stigma.
  • Safe and respectful environment
    • Maintain a zero-tolerance stance on harassment or discrimination.
    • Provide clear reporting channels and ensure confidentiality and fairness in all cases.

Indicators for Tracking Progress

To measure the effectiveness of BIO OIL GROUP’s initiatives in fostering an inclusive culture and promoting work–life balance, the following indicators will be monitored:

  • Gender representation across management levels. The distribution of genders within management positions will be assessed regularly to ensure balanced representation and to identify any gaps that may exist.
  • Employee participation in inclusion and bias training. The rate at which employees engage in scheduled training sessions focused on inclusion, unconscious bias, and respectful workplace behaviour will be tracked.
  • Uptake of flexible work and parental leave, by gender. Data on the use of flexible working arrangements and parental leave options, segmented by gender, will be collected to evaluate accessibility and to confirm that all employees feel supported in managing personal and professional responsibilities.
  • Employee survey results on inclusion and work–life satisfaction. Feedback from employee surveys will be reviewed to gauge perceptions of inclusion and overall satisfaction with work–life balance, helping to identify strengths and areas for improvement.

Expected Outcomes

The initiatives outlined are expected to lead to several positive outcomes for BIO OIL GROUP and its employees:

  • Improved inclusion and sense of belonging across teams. By fostering a more inclusive environment, team members will experience a stronger sense of belonging, supporting open collaboration and mutual respect among colleagues.
  • Increased employee satisfaction and retention. As inclusion and fairness are embedded into everyday practices, employees are more likely to report higher satisfaction in their roles. A supportive workplace culture also contributes to greater retention.
  • Balanced representation and equitable access to development opportunities. By ensuring fair and unbiased processes, the organisation will achieve more balanced representation across all levels, and all employees will have equal access to career development, mentoring, and progression.

Gender Balance in Leadership and Decision-Making

BIO OIL GROUP is committed to achieving balanced gender representation in leadership and governance roles throughout the organisation. Efforts are made to ensure that women and other underrepresented groups have equitable opportunities to participate in decision-making processes, contribute to strategic direction, and hold positions of influence at all levels.

To support the advancement of underrepresented groups, the organisation actively encourages participation in mentorship and career development programmes. These initiatives are designed to provide guidance, support, and access to networks, helping individuals develop the skills and confidence needed to progress into leadership roles.

Gender considerations are systematically integrated into all senior recruitment and promotion processes. By embedding these principles into hiring and advancement practices, BIO OIL GROUP aims to create a fair and unbiased environment that fosters diverse leadership and promotes equal opportunities for all employees.

Equal Opportunities in Recruitment and Progression

BIO OIL GROUP is dedicated to ensuring that equal opportunities are embedded throughout every stage of recruitment and career progression. The organisation adopts inclusive, gender-neutral job descriptions and evaluation criteria to attract a broad and diverse pool of candidates. This approach minimises bias and helps create an open and welcoming environment for all applicants.

To further support fairness in recruitment and advancement, diverse selection panels are established for hiring and promotion decisions. These panels use structured assessment methods, ensuring that all candidates are evaluated consistently and objectively, based solely on their skills, qualifications, and potential.

Ongoing monitoring of gender representation is conducted at all career stages within the organisation. This regular assessment helps identify and address any disparities, promoting balanced progression and supporting the advancement of underrepresented groups.

Integration of Gender Perspectives in Research and Learning

BIO OIL GROUP is committed to ensuring that gender perspectives are integrated into all aspects of project design and communication. By embedding gender considerations at the earliest stages of project development, the organisation promotes more inclusive and effective outcomes that reflect the diverse needs and experiences of all stakeholders.

To facilitate this integration, the organisation provides targeted guidance and training to project teams on conducting gender analysis where relevant. These efforts equip employees with the tools and knowledge needed to assess gender-related impacts and address potential disparities within their work.

We also recognise and value the contributions of individuals and teams who actively advance gender equality through their initiatives. By acknowledging these efforts, BIO OIL GROUP encourages ongoing commitment to gender-inclusive practices and reinforces the importance of equality as a core organisational value.

Prevention and Response to Harassment and Discrimination

BIO OIL GROUP is committed to fostering a safe, respectful, and inclusive workplace by proactively preventing and effectively responding to incidents of harassment, discrimination, and gender-based violence. We maintain accessible and confidential reporting channels so that everyone has a secure route to raise a concern or report an incident without fear of reprisal.

Concerns may be raised through our whistleblower channel at https://www.bio-oil.biz/en/compliance or directly to compliance@bio-oil.biz. Reports may be made anonymously. The Compliance Officer is responsible for handling reports, and cases are managed discreetly, confidentially and impartially throughout the reporting and resolution process.

BIO OIL GROUP applies a zero-tolerance policy regarding harassment, discrimination, and gender-based violence. Violations are met with prompt and decisive action. By prioritising prevention and response, we safeguard the well-being of our employees and reinforce mutual respect as a fundamental organisational value.

Evaluation and Continuous Improvement

Progress on the Gender Equality and Inclusion Plan is reviewed annually to maintain accountability and foster ongoing improvement. These reviews are conducted at executive management level, ensuring that leadership remains engaged and responsible for overseeing the plan’s implementation and outcomes.

The plan itself is updated periodically, drawing on lessons learned from previous years, integrating good practice, and adapting to the changing needs of the organisation. This process is designed to keep the framework relevant and effective.

Commitment to Fairness and Inclusion

The Gender Equality and Inclusion Plan reflects BIO OIL GROUP’s ongoing dedication to promoting fairness and inclusion across all levels of the organisation. The plan serves as a flexible and evolving framework, supporting consistent progress toward achieving long-term equality goals. By prioritising both accountability and adaptability, BIO OIL GROUP demonstrates its commitment to sustaining a fair and inclusive workplace.

Contact Information

If you have any questions or concerns regarding our Gender Equality and Inclusion Plan or related practices, please contact us at compliance@bio-oil.biz or use our whistleblower channel at https://www.bio-oil.biz/en/compliance. We value your feedback and are committed to addressing any issues promptly and effectively.

Version 2.0 · Effective August 2026 · Approved by executive management

Supersedes all previous versions. Previous versions available on request: compliance@bio-oil.biz