A clear statement of intent which is promoted widely
‘Equality proofing’ to ensure that our policies and practices are not inherently discriminatory and or lack equality in application.
Making training available to staff and those with whom we work
Communication and consultation
Clear allocation of accountability
Identification, promotion and implementation of best practice
Monitoring, evaluation and adjustment of policies, practices and services
Taking action to eliminate unlawful discrimination
General Statement
The Learning Hub is committed to the elimination of unlawful discrimination and the promotion of equality in all that we do. We recognise the rich diversity of the populations we serve and we aim to treat all people with dignity and respect. We wish to recognise the value of each individual and the positive contribution they can make to the promotion of a learning community. The company recognises the concept of institutional racism and is committed to the elimination of the root causes of it.
We believe in human rights for all concerned with this organisation and all members of society. No action shall be taken against them by any person connected with the company which would devalue their positive contribution to society as a whole and to this organisation or lead to a loss of dignity or self-respect or respect from others.
We aim to ensure that all groups and individuals within the communities and workforces that we serve are given the full opportunity to benefit from the services and education and training opportunities that we provide. No service user, potential user, employee or potential employee will be unlawfully discriminated against because of age, sexual orientation, colour, disability, race, ethnic or national origin, gender, marital status, responsibility for dependants, political or religious beliefs or Trade Union activities. We recognise there may be other unlisted groups that may too face discrimination.
Scope of the Policy
This policy applies to all company services and employees and board members, and to services delivered by our Associates on behalf of the Company.
The Learning Hub will ensure that all policies and procedures are in line with current British and European employment legislation and good practice guides.
Putting Policy into Practice
Delivery of education and training services
The Learning Hub. will:
Provide equal access to learners and potential learners
Provide learning opportunities that recognise and are sensitive to the cultural needs of our diverse communities.
Encourage participation of our learners so that they can influence the way their needs are met
Seek to influence the organisations with which we work in a collective commitment to equality of opportunity
Identify and eliminate the inappropriate use of information technology to harass, bully or unlawfully discriminate
Ensure each learndirect learning venue has a trained equality champion to provide leadership in equality and to support learners and staff who feel they have suffered discrimination
Employment
The Learning Hub. will:
Integrate equality of opportunity into all our functions and policies
Recruit and value a workforce that reflects the diversity of our communities
Take positive action where there is under-representation in our workforce
Ensure all employees understand the aims and objectives of the company and the expected standards of behaviour towards colleagues, learners and others with whom we work.
Make clear the action an employee or potential employee may take if s/he feels unfairly treated
Provide training to our staff so that can put this policy into practice
Monitor by age, ethnicity, disability and gender the following:
- Recruitment and selection
- Profile of the workforce
- Training and development opportunities
- Promotion
- Incidents of harassment
- Disciplinary and grievance cases
- Staff retention
Taking Action
The Learning Hub will
Provide regular monitoring data to inform planning
Ensure that specific actions to promote equality are incorporated into its annual development plan
Evaluate the impact of its policies and procedures as part of its annual self assessment report
Measure the recruitment, retention and success of learners to monitor whether any group may be experiencing barriers to participation and learning
Publish in a range of formats:
- a learner rights and responsibilities charter
- a disability statement
- race equality action plan
- procedures for dealing with sexual and racial harassment
- a complaints procedure for learners and a grievance procedure for staff
Review bi-annually all its equality policies including its race equality plan, and its disability statement for effectiveness and conformity with current legislation
Monitor the implementation of its policy by those with whom it has a contractual relationship.
Communication of this Policy
All staff and board members will be made aware of this policy and their responsibilities in relation to it.
All managers will be responsible for ensuring that new recruits are made aware of the policy through a planned induction programme
This policy will be issued to all learning venues with whom The Learning Hub contracts. Each Learning Venue will apply the policy within the centre but may publish the policy under their own name.
For more information on Equality and Diversity
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