Equality and Diversity Policy

Policy Statement

Harmonise Training Academy is committed to encouraging diversity and reducing discrimination. We fully support the spirit and intention of legislation, regulations and codes of practice that collectively prohibit discrimination in selection, recruitment, induction, programme delivery and assessment.

We aim to ensure our learners reflect all sections of society and that every individual feels respected, supported, and able to thrive.

Our key aims are to:
a. Ensure no learner is discriminated against or treated less favourably due to a protected characteristic
b. Raise awareness around issues of diversity
c. Address and resolve any incidents of discrimination, harassment or victimisation promptly and appropriately

Definitions

For the purposes of this policy, the following definitions apply:

Diversity: Recognising, valuing and drawing on people’s varied backgrounds, knowledge, skills and experiences to enhance learning and creativity
Direct discrimination: Treating someone less favourably due to a protected characteristic
Indirect discrimination: Applying a condition that, while the same for everyone, disproportionately disadvantages a specific group and cannot be justified
Harassment: Actions that violate a learner’s dignity or create an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment, particularly in relation to a protected characteristic
Victimisation: Treating someone unfairly because they have made, or supported, a complaint

We actively challenge discrimination based on the following protected characteristics:

• Age
• Disability
• Gender reassignment
• Race
• Religion or belief
• Sex
• Sexual orientation
• Pregnancy and maternity
• Marriage and civil partnership

Roles & Responsibilities

Harmonise Training Academy is responsible for:

• Complying with the Equality Act 2010
• Ensuring learners are not discriminated against in relation to qualification access or withdrawal
• Creating an inclusive learning environment that values individual contributions
• Preventing and addressing bullying, harassment, or intimidation
• Reviewing and updating policies and procedures to maintain fairness
• Promoting equality throughout the learning experience
• Providing advice and support to staff and learners regarding equality matters
• Consulting with learners and/or their representatives to remove barriers to access (where appropriate)
• Monitoring the effectiveness of this policy and taking corrective action where necessary

Reasonable Adjustments
We are committed to making reasonable adjustments to prevent substantial disadvantage to individuals with protected characteristics. These may include:
i. Adjusting provisions, criteria, or practices
ii. Modifying physical features of the learning environment
iii. Providing auxiliary aids or services

Learners are expected to:

• Take personal responsibility in applying this policy
• Report any incidents of discrimination or inappropriate behaviour they witness or experience

College Staff must:

• Apply good practice in promoting equality of opportunity
• Ensure all learners are aware of this policy

Procedure for Raising Concerns

a. Learners who experience or witness discrimination should consider raising the issue informally with the person concerned, if appropriate
b. If not appropriate or the learner is unwilling, concerns should be raised with a tutor or assessor. If that person is involved in the concern, the issue should be raised with their line manager or the Internal Quality Assurer
c. The manager should investigate the concern or refer it to a more appropriate individual. Where a complaint is made, the HR department must be informed
d. Once investigated, the learner will be informed of any action taken and, where appropriate, the outcome. (Note: disciplinary details may remain confidential)
e. If unsatisfied with the outcome, learners can appeal within seven working days to the Quality Manager, who will assign a senior manager to review the case

Related Documentation

This policy may be used in conjunction with other Harmonise Training Academy policies and procedures where appropriate

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Reviewed: April 2025