Anti-discrimination Policy

VDGT Consultancy BV operates a zero-tolerance policy against discrimination on the HelpingHands platform. This policy implements the EU equal treatment framework, in particular:

• Directive 2000/43/EC (racial and ethnic equality);
• Directive 2000/78/EC (equal treatment in employment — religion, disability, age, sexual orientation);
• Directive 2006/54/EC (equal treatment of men and women).

As VDGT Consultancy BV is established in Belgium, the following Belgian transpositions apply specifically:

• Act of 10 May 2007 combating certain forms of discrimination ("General Anti-Discrimination Act");
• Act of 10 May 2007 combating discrimination between women and men ("Gender Act");
• Act of 30 July 1981 to sanction certain acts motivated by racism or xenophobia ("Anti-Racism Act").

This policy applies to all users of the Platform — helpers and seekers — and covers:

• the acceptance or refusal of help requests;
• the selection of helpers by seekers;
• pricing and the categories offered;
• the content of profiles, messages, sessions and reviews;
• all other interactions on or through the Platform.

Decisions to refuse, exclude, charge differently or otherwise treat users unequally on the basis of the following grounds are prohibited:

• National or ethnic origin, skin colour, descent;
• Sex, gender identity, gender expression or sexual orientation;
• Age;
• Civil status, family composition, pregnancy or maternity;
• Religion or belief;
• Political opinion, trade-union opinion;
• Language;
• Current or future state of health, disability, genetic characteristics, physical or genetic features;
• Social origin, financial means;
• Name or profile photo to the extent these suggest any of the above grounds.

Helpers may not refuse help requests, charge higher prices or deliver lower quality on the basis of a protected ground (§3). Refusal of a session is only permitted on objective grounds such as:

• insufficient expertise in the requested topic;
• reasonable concerns about personal safety based on concrete behaviour of the seeker;
• technical unavailability or scheduling conflict;
• suspicion of fraud or breach of these Terms.

Seekers may not exclude helpers, rate them lower or report them on the basis of a protected ground. Preferences based on objective criteria — expertise, language proficiency, availability, review score — remain permitted.

A difference in treatment is only permitted where it is objectively and reasonably justified by a legitimate aim and the means of achieving that aim are appropriate and necessary (art. 7 General Anti-Discrimination Act). Examples:

• A language requirement necessary for communication during the session;
• Legally reserved qualifications for a regulated profession.

Suspected discrimination can be reported via the "Report" button in the app or via [email protected]. The report is handled in accordance with §5 of the Community Guidelines (moderation procedure). Where discrimination is established, VDGT Consultancy BV takes measures under §6 of the Community Guidelines (warning, suspension, permanent removal).

You may also turn directly to the competent authorities:

• Unia (Interfederal Centre for Equal Opportunities) — www.unia.be — for ethnic origin, disability, religion, sexual orientation, age, wealth, health, political opinion;
• Institute for the Equality of Women and Men — igvm-iefh.belgium.be — for sex, gender identity and expression, pregnancy;
• Criminal complaints concerning racism or xenophobia: local police or public prosecutor.

Changes are communicated 30 days in advance by e-mail. VDGT Consultancy BV — KBO 1004820426 — [email protected]