COMPANY POLICIES – EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY
EQUALITY & DIVERSITY POLICY
Individuals with different cultures, perspectives and experiences are at the heart of QA Associates activities and we are firmly committed to the concept of equal opportunity and diversity to the framework of the law in which it is embodied. Equal Opportunities means giving everybody the opportunity to develop their full potential.
Policy Statement
Equality of opportunity and diversity underpins the assessment and internal quality assurance process in the delivery of qualifications, and the aim of our policy is to ensure that no person involved in this process receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of race, colour, religion, sex, marital status, age, disability, nationality, ethnic origin, trade union activities or by conditions and requirements that cannot be justified.
Scope
The rights and obligations set out in this policy apply equally to all employees, whether part time or full time on a substantive or fixed-term contract, and also to associated persons such as secondees, agency staff, contractors and others employed under a contract of service.
Each ‘client’, ‘remote site’, or ‘organisation’ engaging the services of QA Associates will be advised of the equality & diversity policy of our company, and all staff engaged by QA Associates will have an understanding of equality and diversity issues and strive to develop awareness of the rights and responsibilities of candidates and others in the delivery of qualifications and training.
This policy applies to all conduct in the workplace and also to conduct outside of the workplace that is related to your work (e.g. at meetings, social events and social interactions with colleagues) or which may impact on QA Associate’s reputation (e.g. the expression of views on social media, contrary to the commitments expressed in this policy, that could be linked to QA Associates).
Equality Act 2010
Every employee is entitled to a working environment that promotes dignity, equality and respect for all. QA Associates will not tolerate any acts of unlawful or unfair discrimination (including harassment) committed against an employee, contractor, job applicant or visitor because of a protected characteristic:
- Age;
- Disability;
- Gender reassignment;
- Marriage and civil partnership;
- Pregnancy and maternity;
- Race (including ethnic origin, colour, nationality and national origin);
- Religion or belief;
- Sex;
- Sexual orientation.
Discrimination on the basis of work pattern (part-time working, fixed term contract, flexible working) which is unjustifiable will also not be tolerated.
Implementation
We seek to develop and promote a work environment where all employees are treated as individuals, fairly and in a consistent way. We work within the spirit and the practice of the Equality Act 2010 by promoting a culture of respect and dignity and actively challenging discrimination, should it ever arise.
No form of intimidation, bullying or harassment will be tolerated. If an individual believes that they may have suffered discrimination because of any of the above protected characteristics, they should consider the appropriateness and feasibility of attempted informal resolution by discussion in the first instance with the ‘Approved Centre’ manager.
Alternatively, they may decide in the alternative to raise the matter through QA Associates Harassment Policy or Grievance Policy.
Allegations regarding potential breaches of this policy will be treated in confidence and investigated in accordance with the appropriate procedure. QA Associates will ensure that individuals who make such allegations in good faith will not be victimised or treated less favourably by QA Associates as a result. However, false allegations of a breach of this policy which are found to have been made in bad faith will be dealt with under QA Associates Discipline Policy.
A person found to have breached this policy may be subject to disciplinary action under QA Associates Discipline Policy.
Monitoring and Review
The Director shall be responsible for reviewing this policy every 12 months to ensure that it meets legal requirements and reflects best practice.