NLAECL Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Policy

Purpose of the policy

All members of the Adult Education and Community Learning Service (AECL) have the right to be treated fairly, with dignity and respect, and to work and study in a welcoming, safe and supportive environment. This policy exists to ensure that AECL promotes and integrates equity, diversity and inclusion throughout all of its services and activities.

Scope of the policy

This policy applies to all learners and apprentices enrolled with AECL, all staff, members of the Advisory Board, partners and visitors.

Policy statement

AECL is strongly committed to promoting and embedding equity, diversity and inclusion in all that we do. We welcome all who would benefit from studying with us, regardless of background. We are proud of the diversity of the AECL Service, and we strive to recognise, value and celebrate individual differences, where everyone is enabled to achieve their full potential. We are opposed to all forms of violent, abusive and discriminatory behaviour, and work conscientiously to tackle inequality and promote diversity and inclusion for all protected characteristics identified in the Equality Act 2010.

These are:

• age
• gender reassignment
• being married or in a civil partnership
• being pregnant or on maternity leave
• disability
• race including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin
• religion or belief
• sex
• sexual orientation

To achieve this, we will:

1. Provide high-quality, responsive provision, services and support that meet the individual needs of learners, apprentices staff and service users
2. Monitor the take up of provision and the achievement of learners and apprentices according to protected characteristics and take action to close equalities gaps
3. Challenge inequality and discrimination to ensure a safe and equal learning and working environment
4. Embrace and celebrate the diversity of our learners, apprentices staff and local communities
5. Promote equity and inclusion in our policies, procedures, plans and practices
6. Ensure that learners and apprentices have a good understanding of equity, diversity, inclusion and British Values
7. Ensure that teaching materials, resources and publicity are inclusive and represent the diverse nature of our learners, apprentices and their communities
8. Involve staff, learners, apprentices and stakeholders in securing improvements to our programmes, services and learning and work environment
9. Provide an environment where learners, apprentices and staff feel safe to disclose protected characteristics
10. Ensure that staff receive appropriate training and actively challenge discrimination and promote equity, diversity and inclusion
11. Make reasonable adjustments for the specific needs of individuals
12. Fully investigate complaints of discrimination and harassment, which may result in disciplinary action
13. Ensure that learner, apprentices and staff views about equity and respect are captured, analysed and acted upon

Compliance with the policy

The policy will be evaluated for compliance through the Service Quality Assurance Cycle, including Lesson Observations, Learning Walks, Learner and apprentices Progress Reviews, Self-Assessment and Learner and apprentices Voice, and also through complaints and grievances.

Responsibility for the policy

The maintenance and updating of this policy is the responsibility of the Lead Officer for Adult Learning, Skills and Employability and will be reviewed annually. Responsibility for the implementation and compliance with this policy lies with all staff, the Advisory Board, Stakeholders, learners and apprentices.