Equality, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Policy

Policy statement

• Skills & Learning delivers learning and training on behalf of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council (BCP Council), and Dorset Council and is hosted by BCP Council. Skills & Learning promotes the four fundamental British Values: democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and respect and tolerance for others.
• We also apply the BCP Council Equality & Diversity framework and its commitment to promote equality and celebrate diversity to our work across Bournemouth, Dorset and Poole. The Equality & Diversity framework covers promoting equality and respecting diversity on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, religion or belief, race, sex and sexual orientation.
• We recognise that people on very low incomes or who live in relative poverty may also experience inequality and reduced life chances. Other groups also need additional support to achieve their aspirations. In line with government priorities, Skills & Learning targets public funding with disadvantaged individuals and groups to improve their life chances.

1. Policy intent

In line with the overarching BCP Council Equality and Diversity Policy, this policy is intended to enable Skills & Learning to promote an environment in which equality can be developed and embedded in our practice and applies to all users of our service and facilities.

1.1       Skills & Learning is committed to enabling all learners and staff to achieve their potential and will not tolerate discrimination on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, culture, ethnicity, national origin, social origin, financial status, HIV status, language, political beliefs, trade union membership, or unrelated criminal convictions.

1.2       Skills & Learning will take the necessary steps to provide the teaching, learning and assessment that is appropriate for the individual needs of learners and that learners are equipped with the necessary resources and support they need to reach their potential during their time with the service, regardless of race, gender, ability, age, geography, or income.

1.3       We will promote equality of opportunity for staff & learners and fundamental British Values will be embedded into our teaching & learning activities.

1.4       Our policy will be reflected in curriculum design and delivery, the use of inclusive language, teaching and learning activities, information, advice and guidance, policies and procedures, staffing, staff development and the interaction between staff, learners, employers, partners, stakeholders and the general public.

1.5       Skills & Learning will take all reasonable steps to seek to ensure that those who provide services to or visit our learning centres are aware of and observe the equality, equity, diversity and inclusion policy. We expect and it is the responsibility of the relevant internal contractor or host to ensure that providers/visitors behave appropriately towards all learners and members of Skills & Learning and that no discrimination takes place.

1.6       Skills & Learning will take all reasonable steps to ensure that employers recruiting apprentices or offering work placements to learners offer equality of opportunity and have effective equality & diversity policies and procedures in place.

1.7       The curriculum promotes and celebrates diversity and enables learners to use the knowledge and behaviours they develop in their own workplaces and communities

1.8       Skills & Learning will review systems, processes, attitudes and behaviours to remove barriers that hinder delivery of an equitable service.

1.9       This policy should be read in conjunction with Skills & Learning’s other policies and procedures and the overarching policies of BCP Council.

Equality-and-Diversity-Policy-December-2022 (bcpcouncil.gov.uk)

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