Merit-Based Equal Employment Opportunity & Affirmative Action Policy (Rev. March 30, 2026)

I. Purpose and Policy Statement

Shepard-Smith Compliance Consulting, LLC ("SSCC") is committed to a standard of excellence rooted in merit, qualification, and individual capability. We believe that a fair and competitive workplace is one where every individual is judged solely on their professional merits and contributions. It is the policy of SSCC to provide equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants. We strictly prohibit discrimination or harassment based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

 

II. Commitment to Merit-Based Selection

Aligned with current federal standards for contractors, Shepard-Smith Compliance Consulting, LLC certifies that: 1) all hiring, promotion, and compensation decisions are based strictly on merit-based criteria, including skills, experience, and performance; 2) SSCC does not utilize quotas, set-asides, or preferential treatment based on protected characteristics in its employment practices; 3) full-time employment opportunities are open to all qualified candidates through open and transparent competition; and 4) expert subcontractors chosen to support client needs are selected on the basis of the applicant’s professional merits, contributions, experience, and ability to perform the services required and without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

 

III. Affirmative Action for Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities

While SSCC maintains a merit-based approach for all categories, we remain dedicated to our affirmative action obligations under VEVRAA and Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We take proactive steps to: 1) engage in outreach to recruit qualified protected veterans and individuals with disabilities; 2) provide reasonable accommodations to known physical or mental limitations of otherwise qualified individuals; and 3) ensure that such individuals have equal access to all career development and advancement opportunities.

 

IV. Prohibition of Retaliation

SSCC strictly prohibits retaliation against any employee or applicant who, in good faith, reports a concern regarding discrimination or participates in an investigation.

 

V. Accountability

The Managing Partners/Members serve as the designated EEO Officers for Shepard-Smith Compliance Consulting, LLC. The officers are responsible for the implementation, auditing, and reporting of this policy to ensure full compliance with federal contracting requirements.

 

VI. Unsolicited Applications

SSCC does not accept, review, or retain unsolicited materials (e.g., resumes or applications, received through any means) for employment. SSCC only accept applications for specific, open positions that have been formally posted online. To ensure a fair and consistent hiring process, unsolicited materials are immediately discarded or deleted and individuals who submit unsolicited materials will not be considered as an applicant for employment under federal or state law, including for the purposes of EEO/Affirmative Action recordkeeping. SSCC has no obligation to respond to or acknowledge receipt of unsolicited materials or notify the unsolicited applicant that such materials have been discarded or deleted. Individuals interested in employment through SSCC should monitor the official SSCC website (www.sscomplianceconsulting.com) for any formal job announcement.