Equalities objectives

a. The Trust will ensure that equal opportunities and the principles of fairness underpin all aspects of policy procedure, education provision, consultation and decision making.

b. The Trust is committed to equality in its delivery of education, whether or not the service is directly provided by us or contracted out to a third-party provider.

c. The Trust aims to provide high quality education services, making sure that services are easily accessible. We will continue to improve by consulting with staff, students, parents and governors, their communities and external organisations.

d. We will make every effort in creating equality of opportunity in order to ensure they are accessible and fair to everyone. Every person has the right to be treated fairly, regardless of race, gender, sexuality, disability, age culture, religion, nationality or caring responsibilities. Where necessary we will implement reasonable adjustments, or additional support, to ensure equality of access to an education and suitable working environment.

e. Our staff and governors who agree and deliver our education provision will recognise diversity and demonstrate a proactive approach in their day-to-day work. They will ensure that everyone is treated fairly, recognising special needs and understanding differences. Behaviour will reach our high standards of conduct (Staff and students) and the learning environment we provide will be safe and accessible for those studying and working.

f. The Trust will adhere to statutory government legislation and give consideration to other relevant guidance, which aim to make sure that everyone is treated with equality.

g. The Trust will not tolerate any form of discriminatory behaviour against members of the Academy stakeholders.

a. The Trust is committed to ensuring that employees have equal access to jobs, training, and professional development opportunities.

b. All employment policies refer to the provision of the Equalities Act 2010.

c. The Trust recognise that the Act extends beyond the protected characteristics of an individual employee and has broader responsibilities to employees and situations that may be covered by the Act. For example, an employee with parental or caring responsibilities for a disabled dependent may have rights under the Act which the Academy would need to consider.

d. All recruitment will be within the provisions of the Act but does not apply to students in the Academies.

e. Employees who are in breach of this policy will be dealt with under the Trust’s disciplinary policy.

a. The Trust and its member Academies will ensure that students are provided with appropriate support to recognise their individual needs. This includes protection under the Act extending the reasonable adjustment duty to require schools to provide auxiliary aids and services to disabled students.

b. All policies relating to the provision of education, the curriculum, behaviour for learning, attendance, exclusion, medical treatment and Child Protection and safeguarding policies should consider the provisions and duties of the Act.

a. The Trust will ensure that all service providers that are contracted to provide services to students, staff or visitors will comply with Equalities legislation.

b. Where services are deemed not to meet Trust / Academy standards, in relation to equal opportunities and fairness, contracts may be terminated.

The Trust will ensure that equal opportunities and the principles of fairness underpin all aspects of policy procedure, education provision, consultation and decision making."