Gender Equality

Gender Equality Plan (GEP)

Organisation Name: HeapByte
Website: https://heapbyte.eu
Document Type: Gender Equality Plan (GEP)
Approval: Top Management
Effective Date: January 2026
Review Cycle: Annual

1. Introduction & Commitment

HeapByte is committed to promoting gender equality, diversity, and inclusion across all areas of its operations.
This Gender Equality Plan (GEP) outlines our strategic commitment to ensuring equal opportunities, fair treatment, and a respectful work environment for all individuals, regardless of gender.

Gender equality is recognised as a core organisational value that contributes to innovation, quality of services, employee well-being, and sustainable growth.

This plan applies to all staff, management, consultants, and collaborators of the organisation.

2. Scope of the Gender Equality Plan

The GEP covers the following areas:

  • Recruitment and career development

  • Leadership and decision-making

  • Pay equity and working conditions

  • Work-life balance

  • Awareness, training, and prevention of gender bias

The plan is proportionate to the size, structure, and service-based nature of the organisation.

3. Public Availability & Governance

This Gender Equality Plan is:

  • A formal written document

  • Publicly available on the organisation’s website

  • Approved and endorsed by top management

Top management is responsible for overseeing the implementation and continuous improvement of this plan.

4. Dedicated Resources & Responsibilities

HeapByte ensures the allocation of appropriate resources for the implementation of the GEP, including:

  • Appointment of a Gender Equality Responsible Person at management/operations level

  • Allocation of time and responsibilities within existing HR/management functions

  • Access to internal or external expertise when required

  • Financial resources proportionate to organisational size for training and awareness activities

Management ensures accountability and ongoing monitoring of the implementation process.

5. Recruitment, Career Development & Equal Opportunities

HeapByte is committed to:

  • Gender-neutral job advertisements and hiring processes

  • Equal opportunity in recruitment, promotion, and professional development

  • Fair and transparent criteria for performance evaluation

  • Balanced participation in technical, operational, and leadership roles

Selection decisions are based solely on merit, skills, and experience.

6. Work-Life Balance & Inclusive Working Environment

The organisation supports work-life balance through:

  • Flexible working arrangements where feasible

  • Equal access to leave policies

  • A respectful, harassment-free, and inclusive workplace

Any form of discrimination, harassment, or unequal treatment is strictly prohibited.

7. Data Collection, Monitoring & Reporting

HeapByte commits to:

  • Collecting sex-disaggregated data on staff and management roles

  • Monitoring recruitment, retention, and career progression annually

  • Conducting periodic internal reviews of GEP implementation

  • Using indicators appropriate to the size and nature of the organisation

Results inform future actions and improvements.

8. Training, Awareness & Unconscious Bias

The organisation provides:

  • Gender equality awareness sessions for staff

  • Training on unconscious gender bias for decision-makers and team leaders

  • Inclusion of equality principles in onboarding and internal communication

Training may be conducted through:

  • Internal briefings

  • Online sessions

  • External experts (if needed)

Documentation of training activities is maintained.

9. Prevention & Handling of Gender-Based Discrimination

HeapByte maintains a zero-tolerance approach to:

  • Gender-based discrimination

  • Sexual harassment

  • Bias or exclusion in professional activities

Concerns may be reported confidentially and will be addressed promptly and fairly by management.

10. Monitoring, Evaluation & Continuous Improvement

  • The GEP is reviewed on an annual basis

  • Progress and challenges are assessed internally

  • Improvements are implemented as required

  • Updates are published when necessary

11. Compliance with Horizon Europe Requirements

This Gender Equality Plan fulfils the four mandatory process-related requirements:

  1. Publicly available and approved by top management

  2. Dedicated resources and assigned responsibilities

  3.  Data collection, monitoring, and reporting

  4. Training and awareness on gender equality and unconscious bias

The organisation commits to maintaining the GEP throughout the duration of any Horizon Europe funded project.

12. Approval

This Gender Equality Plan is approved and implemented by the top management of HeapByte and is effective as of the stated date.

Signed on behalf of the organisation:
Top Management – HeapByte