Victoria Mutual Group's Dress Code Policy

Standards of Dress for Our Organisation

Group Human Resources i STRONG INTEGRATED FINANCIAL GROUP • MODERN MUTUAL • EMPLOYER OF CHOICE • MODEL CORPORATE CITIZEN

Introduction The dress code of any company stands as an important symbol of the corporate identity with which the wider populace distinguishes an Organisation. One’s clothing and appearance is vital to the creation of a lasting first impression, particularly in a business environment.

The development of a dress code establishes homogeneity across the Group and is intended to: 1. Ensure the creation of a professional distinctive image

A corporate dress code is required to guide and provide illustrations of the acceptable clothing and personal appearance standards for all Team Members.

2. Guarantee safety while on the job 3. Mitigate against offensive, provocative or inappropriate dress 4. Minimize distractions

Scope It is the intention of this Code to impact all Team Members of the Victoria Mutual Group and its Strategic Business Units (hereinafter called VM Group).

A Team Member’s appearance can create a positive or negative impression that reflects on our Group brand and culture.

The terms and conditions herein are inexhaustible; therefore every eventuality may not be addressed; however it seeks to provide parameters by which consistency can be safeguarded.

VM Group reserves the right to interpret, amend and relate the Dress Code Policy with respect to team member attire and professional appearance.

The VM Group recognises three (3) main types of workplace attire: Business Professional attire Business Casual attire Dress Down/About You Fridays Attire is defined as the clothing or apparel worn

by Team Members while at they are at work.

Our dress code is reflective of a Modern Mutual organization where Team Members ‘dress for success’ while being comfortable in their attire and conforming to the VM Group Dress Code.

Table of Contents Introduction

ii

Scope

ii

1 Philosophy/Objective

2

1.1 Policy Statements

2

2

Role and Responsibilities

3

3

Definition of Corporate Wear

4

4

Definition of Personal Appearance Standards

5

5

Detailed Dress Code and Professional Appearance Guidelines: Females

6

5.1

6

5.2 Uniforms

6

5.3 Non-Uniform

6

5.4 Blouses

7

5.5

7

5.6 Hosiery/Stockings

7

5.7 Pants

7

5.8 Belts

7

Standards for Female Team Members

Skirts, Dresses, Skirt Suits

5.9 Shoes 11 6

Personal Appearance and Grooming - Females

12

6.1 Hair

12

6.1.5 Images of Approved Hairstyles 2018

12

6.2

Finger Nails

13

6.3

Accessories: Earrings, Rings and Necklaces

13

6.4 Hats

14

6.5

14

Maternity Wear

6.5.1 Maternity Wear – Uniform

14

14

6.5.2 Maternity Wear – Non- Uniform

6.5.3 Shoes

14

6.5.4 Exceptions (Uniforms)

14

7

Detailed Dress Code and Professional Appearance Guidelines: Males

15

7.1 Shirts

15

7.2 Jackets/Blazers

15

7.3 Neckties

15

7.4 Pants

15

7.5 Suspenders

16

7.6 Belts

16

7.7 Socks

16

7.8 Shoes

16

7.8.3 Appropriate Footwear for Make Team Members

17

8

Personal Appearance and Grooming – Males

18

8.1 Hair

18

8.1.3 Approved Hairstyles for Men

18

8.2 Nails

18

8.3

18

9

Business Casual Dress Guidelines

Accessories: Earrings, Rings, Necklaces

19

9.1 Business Casual Dress for Men 19

9.2

Business Casual Dress for Women:

19

9.3

Dress-Down VM Branded Shirt Standards

19

9.4

Dress Down/About You Friday Wear

10

New Permanent Team Members (In Non-Management Positions)

21

11

Team Members on Contract (In Non-Management Positions)

21

11.1

Uniforms/Branded Attire for Contract Team Members

21

11.2

Exceptions to the Dress Code Standards

22

20

11.2.1 Special Occasions

22

11.2.2 Special Circumstances

22

12

Violation of the Dress Code

22

13

Disciplinary Action

23

14

Disposal of Uniforms And VM Branded Apparel

23

15

Not Permitted

24

1. Philosophy/Objective The Victoria Mutual (VM) Groupseeks to promote a professional corporate image and as representatives of the organisation, our Team Members are required to display this image at all times in their interaction with members, customers and the public. The VM Group has established guidelines in defining and enhancing standards of dress and personal appearance.

1.1

2

POLICY STATEMENTS 1.1.1

The VM Group reserves the right to modify and revise the Dress Code Policies at any time

1.1.2

Changes to the Dress Code will be communicated to all Team Members using the appropriate channels.

1.1.3

New Team Members will be introduced to the Dress Code during the orientation and evaluation period; however Leaders must periodically reinforce the standards.

1.1.4

Regardless of the mode of dress, all staff must carry or wear the VM Group identification at all times while at work.

1.1.5

Support Units and Departments may determine appropriate workplace attire for their area.

1.1.6

Where Strategic Business Units/Senior Leadersestablish a Department Dress Code based on the operating environment, it should be communicated to Group Human Resources for review and approval.

1.1.7

Business casual attire is to be worn for training sessions held on a weekend (at VM Branches, Departments or Learning & Development training rooms) unless otherwise instructed in writing by the Team Member/Leader organizing the session.

1.1.8

Corporate wear is required to attend Orientation sessions.

Group Human Resources

2. Role and Responsibilities GROUP HUMAN RESOURCES/ UNIFORM COMMITTEE

TEAM MEMBERS

LEADERS

Team Members are expected to be well groomed and dressed in a professional manner appropriate to their job function.

Leaders are responsible for monitoring and reinforcing the VM Group’s Dress Code and professional appearance standards

Group Human Resources/ Members of the Uniform Committee are responsible for guiding Team Members to conform to the dress code and professional appearance standards, where their attire or appearance is in contravention of the Dress Code.

Team Members’ attire, grooming and appearance must not be distracting to Members and Customers.

Leaders must discuss with Team Members any deviations from these standards with the goal of coaching and promoting understanding.

References the approved Dress Code when necessary and in discussions with Team Members regarding acceptable standards of dress

The dress code and professional appearance standards apply to all Team Members (Permanent, Contractual and Temporary Positions).

Address violations swiftly and without discrimination

Participate in discussions regarding changes to the Uniform design and provide input and/or recommendations

All Team Members are expected to take responsibility for the dress code and personal appearance standards and are expected to refer any questions about these standards to their Leaders.

Seek clarity and confirmation from Group Human Resources/ Uniform Committee members when necessary

Where Team Members fail to abide by these standards, they will be required to return home to change in accordance with these standards and return to work. The time away from work is at the Team Members’ expense.

Any breach of the Dress Code Policy may result in disciplinary action and or loss of pay while away from work.

Group Human Resources

Utilise the Disciplinary Guidelines regarding breaches of the Dress Code

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3. Definition of Corporate Wear Corporate wear is workplace attire that Team Members are required to wear which reflects a professional image of the organisation. A general rule regarding workplace attire is never to create a ‘distraction’ for our Members, Clients or Team Members.

BROAD GUIDELINES FOR ACCEPTABLE CORPORATE WEAR ARE AS FOLLOWS:

FEMALE TEAM MEMBERS 3.1.1

Approved Uniform styles

3.1.2

Dresses, Pants suits, Skirts suits,cap sleevedor sleeveless blouses, skirts or pants with inner blouses and a blazer, jacketor cardigans. (Sleeveless dresses or blouses must cover at least three inches of the shoulder)

3.1.3

No visible undergarments

3.1.4

Skirts and dresses are to be worn at a maximum two (2) inches above the knee

3.1.5

Shoes should be suitable to complement corporate attire.

MALE TEAM MEMBERS 3.2.1

Dress pants and long sleeved shirts is the standard attire unless otherwise indicated. Ties are optional. However the VM Identification must be displayed at all times.

3.2.2 Men, whose roles involve physical activity (Maintenance, Bearers, Messengers and Support Team Members) need not wear a tie and may wear a short sleeved dress shirt or Oxford shirt (Unbranded or VM branded) and dark coloured Jeans or Dockers styled pants.

3.2.3 Men working in offices and who are not required to interface with Members Customers/Clients need not wear a tie and may wear long sleeved shirts short sleeved dress shirts, Oxford shirts (Unbranded or VM branded) or a shirt-jacket. Jeans?

3.2.4 A jacket or blazer is preferred for Team Members representing the Organisation to meet with Members/Customers externally and at external meetings. Discretion is allowed where the nature of the Member/Customer interaction does not require jacket or blazer.

3.2.5 Shoes should follow the guidelines provided for corporate wear.

4

Group Human Resources

4. Definition of Personal Appearance Standards Personal Appearance refers to the ‘outward aspect’ or in simple terms, what people see when they look at another person. In the business environment, personal appearance plays a significant role in creating an impression. Whencreating a personal brand and for career building, Team Members should consider their personal appearance in the workplace at all times.

Typically Personal Appearance standards address three (3) main areas:

STANDARD OF DRESS/ATTIRE: Clothing must always be clean, neat, pressed, wrinkle-free, not faded or tattered and must fit properly (not excessively baggy, short, revealing or tight-fitting).

Shoes are clean.

GROOMING AND HYGIENE: Personal hygiene and cleanliness is required.

Perfumes, colognes and scents of any kind should be subtle and not easily detectable by others.

PHYSICAL APPEARANCE: Hair should be properly groomed at all times. Hair should be styled and worn so eyes are visible.

Make- up when worn must appear professional and natural.

Nails are clean and where manicured, polished in clear or appropriate colours Mustaches and beards are neatly groomed

Group Human Resources

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5. Detailed Dress Code and Professional Appearance Guidelines: Females 5.1 STANDARDS FOR FEMALE TEAM MEMBERS 5.1.1

Permanent Female Team Members below the management level are required to wear the Approved Uniform of the VM Group on Mondays to Thursdays. The wearing of uniforms on Fridays is optional as Team Membersdo have the option to wear Corporate Wear, Business Casual Wear or Dress Down attire on a Friday.

5.1.2

Other Female Team Members are required to wear Corporate Wear or Business Casual Wear depending on the role and location. These Team members are governed by the Non-Uniform Guidelines.

5.1.3

Sales Team Members who regularly meet with Members and Clients are required to maintain a professional image in their mode of dress, particularly for meetings and presentations.

5.2 STANDARDS FOR FEMALE TEAM MEMBERS 5.2.1

Uniforms must be worn in the combinations approved by Group Human Resources.

Arrangements for measurements are made on confirmation.

5.2.2

Items of apparel that are not a part of the uniform are not be added to or worn with the uniform (e.g. Scarves, sweaters, denim jackets or any other form of jacket).

5.2.3 The standard colours for shoes are black, dark blue, brown, tan or taupe. Shoes must complement the uniform being worn.

5.2.4 Uniforms should be properly laundered. Special care must be taken to preserve the life and lustre of uniforms. Proper and careful laundering contributes to the professional look of the uniformsand can extend their life.

5.2.5 The acceptable types of shoes are covered below:

5.3 NON-UNIFORM 5.3.1

Female Team Members who do not wear uniforms are encouraged to choose outfits which are well-tailored and which enhance the modernprofessionalimage.

5.3.2 Items of apparel worn should not be made from the following fabrics: taffeta, velvet, corduroy, mesh, chiffon, knitted fabrics/crochet orlace. The fabric should never be transparent or thin enough to see undergarments.

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Group Human Resources

5.3.3 Clothing must be properly laundered

5.4 BLOUSES 5.4.1

Sleeveless blousesmay be worn without a jacket or cardigan; however the sleeves must cover the shoulder by at least three inches or more.

5.5

Skirts, Dresses, Skirt Suits

5.5.1

Corporate/Business Dresses, skirts with jackets or cardigans and two-piece suits are acceptable.

5.5.2 Sleeveless Dresses are allowed, sleeves should cover three or more inches of the shoulders 5.5.3 Dress and skirt lengths should be no more than two (2) inches above the knee. Generally, a modest slitto facilitate walking or stair climbing is acceptable. The slit must not show the undergarments at any time.

5.6 HOSIERY/STOCKINGS 5.6.1

The shade worn must match/complement the outfit.Acceptable choices include the following shades: black, off-black, taupe, navy, nude, charcoal, French coffee, puff smoke, and all shades of grey.

5.7 PANTS 5.7.1

Capri or ankle pants with or without jacket are allowed.

5.7.2

Moderate prints are acceptable, as are stripes and checkered patterns.

5.7.3 Professional styles of culottes or palazzo pants falling below the knee may be worn.

5.8 BELTS 5.8.1

A belt should be worn with all pants designed with belt-loops. Belts should be made from Leather, Patent and Faux leather and should complement/match the pants being worn. It should be worn fastened.

5.8.2 Chain belts are also allowed, provided that the size and shape of belt buckles is conservative and conforms to a corporate image.

Group Human Resources

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STANDARDS

ACCEPTABLE

NOT ACCEPTABLE OR APPROPRIATE

Dresses may be worn with a long or short sleeve jacket, sweater or cardigan.

Revealing cleavage is not appropriate in the workplace.

Sleeveless blouses must cover at least three (3) inches of the shoulder.

Blouses with spaghetti straps may not be worn without a jacket or sweater to conceal the straps.

Skirts and dresses should not be shorter than two (2) inches above the knee.

A jeans jacket in a blazer style is acceptable for casual wear.

Shawls may be worn instead of jackets and sweaters over a sleeveless dress.

8

Group Human Resources

STANDARDS

ACCEPTABLE

NOT ACCEPTABLE OR APPROPRIATE

Capri pantsuits are permitted with or without a jacket.

Jumpsuits or pants which are too long are not permitted.

Blouses should not be sheer enough to reveal undergarments.

Cropped pants suits or without a suit jacket, when with heels are acceptable.

Pants with embellishments or distracting designs are not.

Coloured pantsuits with are acceptable.

Casual palazzo pants should not be worn

Wide legged capri/ ankle pants may be worn with or without a jacket.

Pants should be tailored and not excessively baggy.

Group Human Resources

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STANDARDS

ACCEPTABLE

NOT ACCEPTABLE OR APPROPRIATE

Tee-shirts with graphics are not permitted at any time, regardless if a blazer or sweater is being worn.

Leggings and jeggings or yoga pants are not appropriate in the workplace.

Fitted pants worn with an appropriate top are acceptable.

Cotton pants are acceptable on About You Fridays.

Knit pants are not.

Dark or light coloured jeans are suitable for About You Fridays.

Distressed jeans are not.

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Group Human Resources

5.9 SHOES 5.9.1

The acceptable colours are black, dark blue, brown, grey, neutral shades, red shades. Moderate patterns are acceptable. Shoes must be clean at all times and should not be in disrepair. They should always befit the office environment.

5.9.2 Pumps, wedges, sandals and flat shoes are permitted. Shoes with covered back, sling back, open toes, closed toes or straps are also allowed.

5.9.3 Booties are to be worn with pants (long or ankle length pants).

5.9.4 Flat shoes (1inch heel or greater) may be worn with pants and skirts. Flat shoes with heels of less than 1 inch should only be worn with pants.

5.9.5 Some flexibility in the choice of shoes worn will be given to Team Members who are pregnant or who have a medical condition supported by a doctor’s certificate. However the selected footwear must conform to professional office standards, both in colour and appearance.

Note: The pictures presented offer a general guide as to the required professional attire and are for illustrative purposes only.

Group Human Resources

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6. Personal Appearance and Grooming- Females 6.1 HAIR 6.1.1

Hair must be neatly groomed and well maintainedat all times. It can be worn in its natural form or processed, but must be clean and neat. The style chosen must be well maintained and befitting the image of the organisation.

6.1.2

Hair should not cover the eyes and the length should not fall below the waist and hair worn longer than mid shoulder should be contained in the back.

6.1.3

Braiding is acceptable If an Afro hairstyle is chosen it should be well groomed not be higher than 7.652 cm (5 inches). If locks (palm-rolled, Sister locks, interlock) or Nubian Knots (also known as Chiney Bumps)) hair style ischosen, it should be neatly groomed and properly maintained on a regular basis.

6.1.4

The colouring of the hair is acceptable;Hair accessories whenever used must be moderate and the colour should be as close as possible to the colour of the natural hair.

6.1.5 IMAGES OF APPROVED HAIRSTYLES 2018

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Group Human Resources

6.2 FINGER NAILS 6.2.1

Finger nails should be clean and properly manicured at all times. The length of any one nail should not be more than (1/2 inch) from the fingertip.

6.2.2 The style and colour of the nails should be moderate and limited to two colours only. Colour and shade nail polish should be conservative.

6.2.3 Tips and acrylic nails are permissible but the length; colours and designs should be professional and enhance the image of the VM Group.

Note: The pictures presented offer a general guide as to the required professional attire and are for illustrative purposes only.

6.3 ACCESSORIES: EARRINGS, RINGS AND NECKLACES 6.3.1

Only two earrings should be worn in one ear. The earrings areto be worn on the ar or earlobe only.

6.3.2 The size, style and pattern must be modest and in keeping with the image of the organisation and should be no longer than 1.5 inches in diameter.

6.3.3 One necklace/chain is to be worn exposed and no more than two bracelets are to be worn at any time. Only two (2) rings are to be worn on fingers at any given time.

6.3.4 Costume jewellery worn must be complementary and professional. Brooches should be moderate/conservative in size and design. The size and design of al accessories must complement clothing and should not be outlandish.

6.3.5 Anklets should be moderate/conservative in size and design.

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6.4 HATS 6.4.1

There are exceptions where headwear is required for religious reasons; this must be declared to Group Human Resources in writing).

6.5 MATERNITY WEAR 6.5.1 MATERNITY WEAR – UNIFORM

The Group Human Resources Department will arrange for the manufacturer of maternity wear for Team Members as soon as the request is submitted.

6.5.2 MATERNITY WEAR – NON- UNIFORM

Team Members who do not wear Uniform and are pregnant are required to wear outfits that are befitting a corporate image.Dresses and skirts should be at a reasonable length (knee length preferably), modest prints and styles. Maternity clothing worn must accommodate the changes to the body which occur during the pregnancy.

6.5.3 SHOES

Standard approved footwear is required for Team Members during pregnancy; any deviations should be accompanied by a Doctor’s note.

6.5.4 EXCEPTIONS (UNIFORMS)

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The absence of uniforms on the prescribed day(s) must be supported by a reasonable explanation or prior approval.

Group Human Resources

7. Detailed Dress Code and Professional Appearance Guidelines: Males Sales, Member/ Client Facing Team Members who regularly meet with Members and Clients are required to maintain a professional image in their mode of dress, particularly for meetings and presentations.

7.1 SHIRTS 7.1.1

Shirts design should be moderate i.e. solid, stripe, mild patterned or prints.

7.1.2

Shirts are to be completely buttoned at all times.

7.1.3

Shirts must be tucked in pants at all times (with the exception of shirt/bush jackets).

7.2 JACKETS/BLAZERS 7.2.1

Where Jackets/Blazers are worn they should be tailored and reflect a professional image. The style and colour should conform to office standards. It should also complement/match the pants being worn.

7.3 NECKTIES 7.3.1

The colour and pattern of the necktie should complement the shirt being worn. Ties should be tied “V” shaped, and not hanging loosely. The lower end should fall at the belt line when tied and the ties should be properlysecured.

7.4 PANTS 7.4.1

The style and colour selected should conform to the office standards. Pants should be tailored and properly laundered. Jeans, Denim or Corduroy pants are acceptable only on About You Fridays.

7.4.2

The length of pants should touch the instep. Similarly pants should not be more than two (2) inches above the ankle.Complementing/matching pants and/or shoes must be worn while on the job.

Group Human Resources

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7.5 SUSPENDERS 7.5.1

Suspenders may be worn with or without a belt and/or jacket.

7.6 BELTS 7.6.1

Belts should be made from Leather, Patent and Faux leather and should complement/match the shoesbeing worn. Belts should be worn with ALL pants designed with belt-loops (see exception re: Suspenders).

7.6.2

Belts should be worn fastened.

7.6.3

Belt buckles should be moderate and befitting a corporate image.

7.7 SOCKS 7.7.1

Socks which complement pants and/or shoes must be worn.

7.8 SHOES 7.8.1

Shoes should be moderate and befitting a corporate image in colour and style.

7.8.2

Shoes should be sober in colour. Shoes should be clean at all times and should not be in disrepair.

STANDARDS

ACCEPTABLE

NOT ACCEPTABLE OR APPROPRIATE

혬혬 Shirts should be professional in design and tucked in.

혬혬 Ties when worn should rest at waist level.

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Group Human Resources

STANDARDS

ACCEPTABLE

NOT ACCEPTABLE OR APPROPRIATE

Shirts are to be tucked in with the exception of ‘shirt jackets/ bush jackets’

Shirts should fit comfortably, not large or distracting patterns.

Jeans are to fit comfortably, no tight or distressed jeans.

Light or dark coloured jeans are appropriate for About You Fridays

7.8.3 APPROPRIATE FOOTWEAR FOR MAKE TEAM MEMBERS

Group Human Resources

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8. Personal Appearance and Grooming - Males 8.1 HAIR 8.1.1

Hair (including facial) should be combed, clean and with a neat appearance befitting the image of the organisation. Facial hair should be close “cropped” low and neatly groomed.

8.1.2

Natural hairstyles are permitted, however the selected style should be neatly groomed and pulled back for longer hair.

8.1.3 IMAGES OF APPROVED HAIRSTYLES 2018

8.2 NAILS 8.2.1

Fingernails should be clean, properly manicured and not grown beyond the fingertips.

8.3 ACCESSORIES: EARRINGS, RINGS, NECKLACES 8.3.1

Two rings to be worn on fingers at any given time and designs must be conservative.

8.3.2 Only one bracelet is to be worn at any given time.

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Group Human Resources

9. Business Casual Dress Guidelines On Fridays and other days as approved by the VM Group, business casual dress is permitted. Business Casual Dress guidelines are covered below and also include Dress Down “VM Branded Shirt” guidelines. VM Group identifiers, for example, Pins are encouraged to be worn with business casual attire that does not include the VM Branded Shirt. In the absence of a VM pin, the VM Identification must be worn.

9.1 BUSINESS CASUAL DRESS FOR MEN:

Collared shirts/VM branded shirts , polo shirts

Slacks, khaki and similar business casual pants

Shoes based on the Dress Code Guidelines

Socks

9.2 BUSINESS CASUAL DRESS FOR WOMEN:

Skirts, pants, Capri pants, ankle pants

Jackets, sweaters, cardigans

Dress Shirts with sleeves

Shoes based on the Dress Code Guidelines

Hosiery is optional

9.3 DRESS-DOWN VM BRANDED SHIRTSTANDARDS 9.3.1 Approved Dress Down attire includes a VM Branded Cotton shirt (long or short sleeves); branded polo shirts, solid polo shirt with VM pin dress pants or dress skirts or jeans.

9.3.2 These cotton shirts are distributed by Group Human Resources and have to be ordered

by Team Members based on size, approved style and colour. Payments are made by salary deductions. The cost of these shirts will be kept as low as possible and will be borne by the Team Member.

9.3.3 Shirts must be tucked into pants and/or skirts. Button-down collars should be utilized whenever possible and all buttons except the one at the neck should be engaged. These include the buttons on the cuffs of long-sleeve shirts.

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9.3.3 Denim blazers are acceptable 9.3.4 Tailored Pants, Skirts or Jeans should be worn with the VM Dress-Down Shirt or corporate attire. Belts and buckles must be conservative. The length of skirts should be no more than two (2) inches above the knee. The approved footwear is applied on Dress-Down Days 9.3.5 The VM Group’s Identification must be visibly attached where a branded shirt is not being worn.

9.4 DRESS DOWN/ABOUT YOU FRIDAY WEAR The VM Group introduced About You Fridays to facilitate a relaxed and modern environment where Team Members are permitted to wear select styles.

9.4.1

Jeans pants, skirts, cotton pants (chinos, Dockers) or denim pants may be worn. Team Members are allowed to wear their VM Branded shirts or business casual topson these days.

9.4.2 The VM Identification card or pin is to be worn in the absence of the branded shirts.

9.4.3 Jeans are to be of solid or dark washed colours without embellishment 9.4.4 Boot cut, straight leg, slightly flared jeans are acceptable.

BUSINESS CASUAL WEAR FOR WOMEN AND MEN

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Group Human Resources

10. New Permanent Team Members (In Non- Management Positions) The VM Group will provide four (4) Dress down shirts to new male and female NonManagement Team Members to be worn during the probationary period on Mondays to Thursdays. These shirts will be at no cost to the Team Member however, any additional shirts obtained thereafter will be at the expense of the Team Member.

Team Members have the option to wear Corporate Wear or Business Casual Wear (including Jeans) on a Friday.

Upon confirmation of permanent employment, the uniform guidelines will apply.

11. Team Members on Contract (In Non Management Positions) 11.1 UNIFORMS/BRANDED ATTIRE FOR CONTRACT TEAM MEMBERS 11.1.1

The VM Group provides options for Non-Management Team Members on contract that include uniforms and/or dress down shirts. Group Human Resources will provide information on these options to the relevant Team Members.

11.1.2

Team Members have the option to follow the Corporate or Business Casual Wear Guidelines on a Friday.

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11.2 EXCEPTIONS TO THE DRESS CODE STANDARDS 11.2.1 SPECIAL OCCASIONS

The VM Group may allow a particular form of dress to coincide with/support a special occasion. Details will circulated via email by Group Corporate Affairs on those occasions.

Departments and Units must seek prior approval from Group Human Resources for dress relating to special occasions that deviates from the Dress Code.

11.2.2 SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES

Team Members must seek written approval from the Assistant Vice President, Group Human Resources or the Chief Human Resources Officer for prolonged deviation from the Dress Code as a result of medical/health or religious reasons. (The VM Group reserves the right to request relevant supporting documents).

12. Violation of the Dress Code If clothing fails to meet the required standards, as determined by the Team Member’s supervisor and Group Human Resources, the Team Member will be asked not to wear the inappropriate item to work again.

If the problem persists, the Team Member may be sent home to change clothes and will receive a verbal warning for the first offense. All other policies about personal time use will apply. Progressive disciplinary action will be applied if dress code violations continue.

12.1

All leaders are responsible for monitoring and reinforcing the dress code in addition to handling dress code violations. The chain of command is to be observed at all times.

12.2

Where discussions with team members regarding violation of the dress code become necessary, they must be handled privately and sensitively with the goal of coaching and promoting understanding.

12.3

Where disciplinary action is warranted, this action will be dependent on the nature of the violation, the frequency of the violation or a combination of both.

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13. Disciplinary Action 13.1

Disciplinary action against violators of the dress code will be applied consistently and without discrimination.

13.2

The appropriate actions will vary from oral reprimand to dismissal. These actions include but are not limited to the following:

Removing of violator from duty for the day.

Sending violator home to correct breach (and return to work).

Placing an appropriate letter on violator’s file.

Suspending persistent violator from work without pay.

Separation

14. Disposal of Uniforms And VM Branded Apparel Uniforms and VM Branded Apparel that are no longer being worn by Team Members must be disposed of in the following way: 14.1

Remove or cut off the vm logo from vests, jackets, dresses and dress-down shirts

14.2

Cut up uniform blouses with vm logo to prevent it from being worn

14.3

Items that do not bear the vm logo, for example, skirts and pants may be given to charity once they are in reasonable condition i.E. Not worn out, colour faded or torn.

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15. Not Permitted The following is not considered appropriate for the work environment and is therefore not permitted:

FEMALE

MALE

CLOTHING

CLOTHING

Shorts

Shorts, athletic wear

Tee-shirts, tank tops

Sneakers, slippers or casual shoes

Sweatshirts

Shirts which are too tight or too short

Athletic wear

Hooded sweaters and jackets hoodies

Spandex, Ponchos,

Pants with a belt or which are too tight on the legs, baggy pants or pants which sag below the waist.

Hooded sweaters or jackets (hoodies)

Torn or tattered pants

Tight Fitting garments

Exposed undergarments

BLOUSES

SHIRTS/JACKETS

Blouses which reveal excess cleavage

Washed-out, faded and stretched out Shirts

Spaghetti straps (without a jacket/sweater)

Jeans or leather jackets

Exposed midriffs

Rolled over or under short/ long sleeve shirts Visible undershirt (merino-Shirt) or large mesh t-shirts

FOUNDATION/HOSIERY/STOCKINGS

SOCKS

Foundation garments, with the exception of hosiery, should not be revealed from any split(s) in skirt or dress.

Socks which fall at the ankle

Torn or tattered hosiery

White socks

Athletic and “bobby-socks”

Patterned, sequined or meshed hosiery

DRESSES Dresses with plunging necklines revealing excessive cleavage

24

Group Human Resources

FEMALE

MALE

SKIRTS, SKIRT SUITS Mini-skirts and maxi skirts Sequins or other distracting designs

PANTS

PANTS

Extra-long pants, not sweeping or touching the floor

No distressed or low-rise jeans will be permitted

Tight and revealing pants

Cargo pants and pants that are extremely baggy or tight

Large prints such as flowers in bold colours or patterns.

Labels or name tags should not be seen hanging from pants.

Leggings, jeggings, yoga pants

Pants must not sweep or touch the floor

Pedal pushers

SHOES

SHOES

Sneakers or similarly casual athletic shoes,

Sandals and hard construction type boots

Mules, flat or high heeled flip-flops

Sneakers or similarly casual athletic shoes,

Crocsor similarly casual summer shoes

Shoes made from canvas

Earth shoes, clogs, sneakers, joggers, beach Formal evening sandals Backless slippers or sandals Shoes made from canvas Shoes with glitter, sparkles Shoes in gold, silver or other types of metallic designs

HAIR

HAIR

No bright reds, purple, pink, blue, green and colours which are not befitting the corporate image

Patterned hairstyles (designs drawn into scalp) No colouring outside of natural hair colour

No beads/hair cuffs should be worn in braided hair

Group Human Resources

25

FEMALE

MALE

NAILS

NAILS

No outlandish designs, patterns, glitter or nail jewellery

The wearing of coloured nail polish is not permissible

Sharply or excessively pointed nails

ACCESSORIES: EARRINGS, RINGS, NECKLACES

ACCESSORIES: EARRINGS, RINGS, NECKLACES

No facial jewellery such as tongue or nose rings

The wearing of earrings (on the job)

Exposed Toe rings

No more than two rings to be worn on fingers at any given time and must be conservative.

Three or more rings on one hand The wearing of more than two pairs (or more than total of four) earrings at a time.

No insignias, symbols and phrases related to fashion/ political groups, gangs, crews or any other controversial groups or affiliations.

HATS/OTHER ACCESSORIES

HATS/OTHER ACCESSORIES

Hats and/or other types of head covering (without the explicit approval of Group Human Resources)

Hats and/or any other type of artificial head covering Insignias (badge), symbols and phrases relating to fashion groups, political groups, gangs or any other ‘controversial’ group or affiliation.

Chain Belts

26

Group Human Resources

EMPLOYER OF CHOICE

victoriamutualgroup.com

ST R O N G I N T E G R AT E D F I N A N C I A L G R O U P • M O D E R N M U T UA L • E M P LOY E R O F C H O I C E • M O D E L CO R P O R AT E C I T I Z E N