SENSE Learning - Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy

Introduction & Purpose

This is SENse Learning's Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy. It applies to SENse Learning's employees, to the self-employed associates and consultants who deliver services through SENse Learning, and to how we work with students, parents and carers, local authorities and schools.

For associates and consultants, the obligations in this policy form part of their contract for services. They do not create an employment or worker relationship.

Policy Principles & Values

SENse Learning is committed to creating an inclusive environment that respects the dignity and diversity of everyone we work with. We want everyone who works with us, whether employed or self-employed, to be treated fairly, and to work free from discrimination, harassment and victimisation.

The Organisation will adhere to the requirements of the Equality Act 2010 by not discriminating against students, associates, volunteers, or any individual involved in external agencies the Organisation may be working with on any grounds set out in the Equality Act 2010.

The Organisation will also not discriminate against:

• Students due to the behaviour of their parents/carers/siblings.

• When recruiting associates, health-related questions will not be asked until after a job offer is made, and then, only if it is necessary for the role.

SENse Learning is committed to the following:

Equality

No employee, associate or applicant will be treated less favourably because of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.

Decisions about employing staff and engaging associates will be based on skills, qualifications and the needs of the services we provide, and will not be influenced by any protected characteristic.

Diversity

We value the diversity of the people who work with us and are committed to a culture where it is embraced.

Inclusion

We aim to ensure that everyone who works with us feels valued and respected, and that employees and associates have fair and equal access to the opportunities available to them.

We will make reasonable adjustments for employees, associates and applicants with disabilities, as set out below.

Responsibility

• The HR Team is responsible for implementations and monitoring of this policy.

• The Organisation will monitor any issues that arise within the Organisation and take appropriate action, fully supporting anyone working with us who faces prejudice or discrimination.

• The Organisation will undertake an annual review process to ensure that the policy is clear, in keeping with current legislation.

Our Commitments

Recruitment and Selection

• Job descriptions, service specifications and advertisements will focus on the skills, capabilities and requirements of the role or work.

• Advertisements will reach a diverse audience and use neutral, inclusive language.

• Applicants will be assessed against objective criteria related to the role or work.

Disability & Reasonable Adjustments

• SENse Learning is committed to supporting disabled applicants, employees and associates. Where someone has a disability, we will consult with them and make reasonable adjustments to remove or reduce barriers they face, for example accessible communication formats, adapted equipment, or adjustments to how referrals are offered and arranged. For employees, adjustments may also include changes to working patterns.

Pay, Fees and Opportunities

• Employees will be paid fairly for equal work, and progression, training and development opportunities will be offered transparently and based on merit.

• Associates' fees will be set fairly and consistently for comparable work, without bias linked to any protected characteristic.

• Referrals will be offered to associates based on the student's needs and the associate's skills, experience and availability, without bias linked to any protected characteristic.

Key Actions

In adopting these principles SENse Learning:

1. Will not tolerate acts that breach this guidance, and all such breaches or alleged breaches will be taken seriously, be fully investigated and may lead to disciplinary action for employees or termination of the contract for services for associates.

2. Fully recognises its legal obligations under all relevant legislation and codes of practice.

3. Will encourage employees and associates to raise any concern about unfair treatment through our grievance procedure (employees) or complaints procedure (associates).

4. Will provide employees with the training and development they need, and give associates the information they need to meet this policy, including equality and safeguarding requirements.

Dignity and Respect

Will provide employees with the training and development they need, and give associates the information they need to meet this policy, including equality and safeguarding requirements.

The company has a zero-tolerance approach to harassment of an kind. If a complaint of harassment is brought to SENse Learning’s attention, it will be investigated promptly, and appropriate action will be taken.

Please see the separate Harassment policy for further information on policy and procedure for reporting.

How we carry out our responsibilities and duties?

Management, employees and associates are essential for ensuring the success of this policy and each has their own duties and responsibilities. We all have a legal responsibility to comply, and any of us — Management, employees and associates — may be found personally liable for unlawful discrimination if we breach the terms of this policy.

Overall responsibility for the effective implementation and operation of the policy lies with Management, specifically with the Directors. Everyone working at managerial level is expected to act in full accordance with this policy, lead by example and maintain appropriate standards of behaviour in their own teams of employees.

The ethos and standards covered by this policy can only be achieved and maintained if if everyone who works with us cooperates fully, and it is important to understand that you also have a legal responsibility to comply. If you breach this policy, you may also make SENse Learning liable for your actions. We accordingly expect you to take personal responsibility for adhering to this policy’s aims and commitments and for drawing any breaches to our attention.

Violations of this policy ay result in disciplinary action for employees or termination of the contract for services for associates.