WPCodeForge is committed to treating people fairly, respectfully and without discrimination.
We develop WordPress plugins for website owners, developers and organisations with a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, abilities and technical knowledge. Our approach to diversity therefore focuses on creating products, content and interactions that are respectful, accessible and welcoming to everyone.
About WPCodeForge
WPCodeForge is an independently owned and operated WordPress software business based in Bristol, England.
The business is solely owned and operated by James William Steven Parker, who is currently the only person working for WPCodeForge. There are no other employees, staff members or contractors working within the business.
James has a professional background in web development, web design, digital marketing, SEO, web hosting, systems analysis and cybersecurity. His published professional profile describes extensive experience across web and IT.
Because WPCodeForge is currently operated by one person, there is no internal workforce demographic to report. This policy therefore focuses on the standards that apply to the business, its products, its website and its interactions with users.
Our Commitment to Diversity
WPCodeForge believes that people should be treated fairly and respectfully regardless of their personal characteristics or background.
We do not support discrimination, harassment, bullying, hostility or exclusion based on characteristics such as:
- Age
- Disability
- Gender
- Gender identity
- Race or ethnic background
- Religion or belief
- Sexual orientation
- Nationality
- Social or economic background
- Any other characteristic protected by applicable law
This principle applies to our interactions with customers, users, suppliers, business contacts and members of the wider WordPress and technology communities.
An Inclusive Approach to Technology
Diversity is not limited to employment.
A technology business can affect people through the software it develops, the information it publishes and the way its services are presented.
WPCodeForge therefore aims to make its products and website understandable and usable by people with different levels of technical experience.
We aim to:
- Use clear and understandable language
- Avoid unnecessary technical complexity
- Design interfaces with usability in mind
- Consider accessibility during development
- Avoid unnecessary assumptions about users
- Provide consistent information
- Treat support enquiries professionally and fairly
Our objective is to reduce unnecessary barriers to using WPCodeForge products and information.
Accessibility
Accessibility is an important part of creating technology that can be used by as many people as reasonably possible.
WPCodeForge aims to consider accessibility when developing its website, interfaces, documentation and WordPress plugins.
This can include considerations such as readable content, sensible navigation, clear labels, appropriate interface structure and compatibility with commonly used accessibility technologies where practical.
Accessibility requirements can vary depending on the product, technology and user’s circumstances. We therefore aim to identify and address reasonable accessibility issues rather than assuming that a single approach will meet every user’s needs.
Fair and Respectful Communication
WPCodeForge aims to communicate with users in a professional and respectful manner.
We do not intentionally discriminate against or disadvantage someone because of their personal characteristics or background.
Support requests, feedback, product enquiries and other legitimate communications should be considered according to their substance and relevance rather than irrelevant personal characteristics.
We also expect people communicating with WPCodeForge to behave respectfully. Abuse, harassment, threats or discriminatory conduct are not acceptable forms of communication.
Diversity in Published Content
WPCodeForge aims to ensure that published content does not unnecessarily promote stereotypes, exclusion or discriminatory assumptions.
Our content should focus on providing useful and accurate information rather than making assumptions about the people who may read or use it.
Where examples involving people or groups are used, we aim to use them appropriately and avoid presenting stereotypes as facts.
Our Publishing Principles provide further information about the standards applied to content published on the WPCodeForge website.
Diversity and WordPress
WordPress is used by people and organisations around the world.
WPCodeForge develops software for this broad community and recognises that users can have very different technical abilities, professional backgrounds, languages, cultures, accessibility requirements and website needs.
Our plugins should therefore be designed around their functional requirements rather than assumptions about who is using them.
A website owner does not need to fit a particular profile to benefit from WPCodeForge software.
Equality in Customer Support
Customer support should be provided fairly.
Where two users have substantially similar product-related requirements, their requests should be considered according to the relevant technical and support circumstances rather than personal characteristics.
We aim to provide clear information and reasonable assistance while recognising that support may be subject to the terms, scope and limitations applicable to a particular product.
Recruitment and Future Growth
WPCodeForge currently has no employees other than its sole owner and operator.
If the business expands and additional people are recruited in the future, we intend to apply fair and non-discriminatory principles to recruitment, working arrangements and professional interactions.
Employment-related decisions should be based on relevant factors such as skills, experience, qualifications, suitability and the requirements of the role.
Personal characteristics that are irrelevant to a person’s ability to perform a role should not be used as a basis for unfair treatment.
Working Environment
If WPCodeForge expands beyond its current sole-operator structure, we intend to maintain a working environment where people are treated with dignity and respect.
Bullying, harassment, discrimination and inappropriate conduct would not be considered acceptable aspects of working for or representing WPCodeForge.
Concerns about workplace conduct would be considered appropriately and addressed according to the circumstances.
Diversity Staffing Report
WPCodeForge does not currently publish workforce demographic statistics because the business consists solely of its owner and operator, James William Steven Parker.
There are currently no other employees or staff members whose demographic information could form a meaningful staffing report.
If the structure of the business changes substantially in the future, WPCodeForge may review whether publishing additional workforce information would be useful and appropriate.
Continuous Improvement
Diversity and accessibility considerations can change as technology, legislation, user expectations and the business itself develop.
WPCodeForge will review this policy when appropriate and may update it to reflect changes to the business or its approach.
We also welcome constructive feedback about accessibility, inclusion, discrimination or other issues relating to the way WPCodeForge operates.
Reporting a Concern
If you believe that WPCodeForge has acted in a discriminatory, exclusionary or otherwise inappropriate manner, you can contact us through our contact form.
Please explain the issue clearly and provide relevant information that can help us understand what happened.
We will consider legitimate concerns and relevant evidence when reviewing a complaint or report.
Our Commitment
WPCodeForge’s approach to diversity is based on four straightforward principles:
Fairness — people should be treated fairly and decisions should be based on relevant factors.
Respect — users, customers and business contacts should be treated with dignity and professionalism.
Accessibility — unnecessary barriers to using our website, products and information should be reduced where reasonably practical.
Inclusion — our products and content should be designed for a broad audience rather than assuming that all users have the same background, abilities or technical experience.
WPCodeForge is currently a one-person business, but these principles apply to the way the business operates, the software it develops and the people it serves.