NLAECL Equality, 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 equality, 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/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 equality and inclusion in our policies, procedures, plans and practices
6. Ensure that learners and apprentices have a good understanding of equality, diversity, inclusion, British Values and local risks so that they have the knowledge to be able to keep themselves and their families safe.
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 and volunteers undertake mandatory Equality, Diversity and Inclusion training in accordance with Local Authority procedures, and actively challenge discrimination and promote equality, diversity and inclusion
11. Make reasonable adjustments and access arrangements for the specific needs of individuals, where applicable
12. Follow Local Authority procedures to report and investigate complaints of discrimination and harassment, which may result in disciplinary action
13. Ensure that learner, apprentice and staff views about equality and respect are captured, analysed and acted upon

Compliance with the policy

The policy will be evaluated for compliance through the Service Quality Assurance activities, including Learning Visits, Learning Walks, Learner/Apprentice Curriculum Reviews, Self-Assessment and Learner/Apprentice Voice, and also through compliments, complaints and grievances.

Responsibility for the policy

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