This policy sets out why equal opportunities are important to Luton International College and the basic principles to be followed.
Luton International College Equal Opportunities Policy
1. Definitions – Equal Opportunities
We define Equal Opportunities in two ways:
• as the process by which we strive to ensure that everything we do is fully inclusive and so meets the needs of and is fair to those who are disadvantaged by prejudice and indifference;
• As combating the injustice faced by some groups and individuals when, both directly and indirectly by organisations and society as a whole, prejudice is put into effect.
2. Responsibilities
The Principal has overall responsibility for the implementation of this policy and is accountable for it to the Management Committee. Managers are responsible for ensuring the Equal Opportunities policy is implemented in their part of the company, for ensuring staff understand the policy and their roles within it, and for providing reports and monitoring information. Everyone in Luton International College has a responsibility to ensure proper implementation of the policy.
3. Principles
Luton International College will uphold Equal Opportunities by:
• In employment, by developing policies which ensure that no job applicant, employee, volunteer or trainee is unfairly discriminated against because they are a refugee or asylum seeker or on the basis of their race, ethnic origin, culture, gender, sexuality, disability, age or religion.
• In service delivery, by providing appropriate, sensitive and impartial services and being accessible to all learners.
• By fostering a co-operative working environment which is free from harassment or victimisation and which promotes good relations among staff, to create the conditions for the full development of their potential.
• By promoting the values contained in the Policy in our relationships with other organisations.
In implementing these principles, Luton International College will ensure that it meets all the necessary legal requirements.
4. Policies and Procedures
Recruitment
Our recruitment procedures will be transparent and open. As part of the implementation of this policy, we will review our recruitment procedures on a regular basis.
Work-life Balance
Luton International College recognises the need for staff to achieve a satisfactory balance between home and work, and will promote flexible working practices wherever possible.
5. Monitoring and Review
We will monitor this policy by:
• Reporting annually on its implementation to the Management Committee and reviewing the policy as a whole.
6. The Statutory Framework
This Policy sets out how Luton International College intends to meet its obligations under the following legislation:
• The Race Relations Act;
• The Sex Discrimination Act;
• The Disability Discrimination Act.
• The Equal Pay Act
• The Human Rights Act
