BEST Training is committed to ensuring that the ability and potential of individuals to meet the requirements of its customers are the only criteria for registration.

As an organisation, BEST Training is opposed to any act or attitude that results in an individual or group experiencing discrimination whether direct or indirect.

It is our intention to treat people fairly and attempt not to replicate discriminatory practice, which may previously have been experienced.

Stone Maiden Ltd, trading as BEST Training:

Is opposed to discrimination on any grounds including: race, nationality, sexuality, age, religion, marital status, social class, disability and employment status.
Will act to combat discrimination, (indirect or direct, individual or group, cultural or institutional) through its programme content, delivery, assessment procedures and evaluation structure.
Will actively strive to provide a learning environment that gives equal status to all.
Will actively strive to provide a learning and working environment that is safe and free from abuse for both learners and staff.
Will, if necessary, take disciplinary action against any perpetrators contravening this ethos
Will ensure that all programmes/courses actively promote anti-oppressive practice and equality of opportunity
Will support and encourage all those working for, and on behalf of, the organisation to make a positive contribution to combating discrimination
Will support anyone who has a reasonable complaint and protect them from victimisation
Will administer an evaluation process within its organisational structure to monitor annually the ongoing implementation and content of this statement.
Reserves the right to challenge attitudes that are deemed to contravene our commitment to Equal Opportunities.

Responsibilities:

It is the responsibility of all staff, volunteers, partners and learners to ensure that the learning environment is a place where Equality flourishes and to adhere to the principles outlined above.

The Senior Managers, in particular the Quality Manager, are responsible for ensuring that this policy is reviewed annually to ensure compliance with and implementation of the latest government rulings on Equality and Diversity.

The Centre Managers are responsible for the equality and diversity at each centre. In addition, they are responsible for ensuring that both staff and learners at their centres are fully aware, consulted and involved in all aspects of Equality and Diversity at each site under their management.

All staff and volunteers are responsible for carrying out their duties in accordance with the Best Training guidelines outlined above

Subcontractors/delivery partners are responsible for following the BEST Training Equality and Diversity practice when delivering learning on their behalf.

Training:

BEST Training undertakes to ensure that all staff are properly trained and understand the implications of this policy. This will include:

Full Equality and Diversity training on Induction for new staff/volunteers
Ongoing annual refresher training for all staff
Advice on where to find further information

Promotion:

BEST Training undertakes to ensure that:

all marketing materials
all recruitment and advertising (see Safer Recruitment Policy for more details)
all websites and intranets
all notice boards and learner information
all policies and procedures

adhere to the principals of equality and diversity outlined above.

Compliance:

In addition Stone Maiden Ltd, trading as BEST Computer Training recognises and abides by the following Equal Opportunities Acts:

Sex Discrimination Act (SDA) 1975
Race Relations Amendment Act 2000
Employment Equality (Age) Regulations 2006
Employment Equality (Religion and Belief) Regulations 2003
Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2003
Equality Act 2007
Gender Recognition Act 2004
Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974
Disability Discrimination Act 2005
Human Rights Act 1998
Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006
Working Together to Safeguard Children 2006
The Children Act 1998 & 2004
Every Child Matters 2004

For further information about Equal Opportunities, please contact the Equal Opportunities Commission (http://www.eoc.org.uk)

For more information call 01202 747523