Our dress code has been written as a guide rather than a list of rules. We want to give colleagues enough information to feel confident in their choices, while leaving space for individual preferences, cultural and religious dress, and the occasional warm or cold day.

**Business days in the office.** On most working days, we ask staff to aim for what is sometimes called 'smart casual'. In practice, this means clothes that would not look out of place at an informal business meeting: a collared shirt, a plain jumper, tailored trousers or skirt, a dress, or equivalent. Jeans are acceptable in dark, unworn condition; T-shirts are acceptable if they are plain or bear only a small, non-controversial design. Trainers (sneakers) are acceptable provided they are clean. Tracksuit bottoms are not acceptable unless the day's work genuinely requires them.

**Meeting external visitors.** On any day when you are meeting external visitors face-to-face — clients, suppliers, journalists, senior representatives of partner organisations — please wear something slightly more formal than you otherwise would. For most people this means a blazer or jacket, a plain shirt or blouse, and proper shoes rather than trainers. The idea is that the visitor should feel that the meeting has been treated as an occasion, not that an afternoon has been unexpectedly interrupted.

**Summer and winter.** In summer, we accept shorter sleeves, lighter fabrics and open shoes, although flip-flops are the one exception and should be saved for the beach rather than the office. In winter, layers are encouraged; unusual or bright jumpers are fine, provided the overall impression is still neat.

**Religious and cultural dress.** Religious head coverings, garments and jewellery are fully welcome. Where such items affect the use of safety equipment — particularly on site visits — please speak to your line manager in advance so that an appropriate solution can be agreed.

**Site visits and special events.** On site visits, specific protective equipment is required and overrides the general dress code. On occasional formal events (the annual dinner, the summer awards ceremony) the expected standard is published in advance and is usually smarter than day-to-day office wear.

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