This policy should be read in conjunction with our Disclosure and Barring Service Policy.

Practical Refrigeration Training Centre Limited (PRTC) believes in fairness, equality and, above all, values diversity in all dealings, both as a training provider and as an employer.

PRTC is committed to eliminating discrimination on the basis of:

• gender
• age
• disability
• race
• religion or belief
• sexuality or sexual orientation
• gender reassignment
• marriage or civil partnership
• pregnancy and maternity

We aim to provide accessible services, delivered in a way that respects the needs of each individual and does not exclude anyone. We oppose and avoid all forms of unlawful discrimination, including:

• pay and benefits
• terms and conditions of employment
• grievance and disciplinary procedures
• dismissal
• redundancy
• parental leave
• flexible working
• training, promotion, employment selection and other developmental opportunities

Employees all receive a copy of our Handbook in addition to their Contract of Employment prior to commencing their employment to enable them to familiarise themselves with all aspects of this policy in more detail. A copy is also available to all on the Shared drive of the computer.

We strive to create a working environment free from bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination, promoting dignity and respect for all and where individual differences and the contributions of all staff are recognised and valued. Any breach of this is taken extremely seriously and, as outlined in our Handbook, will be dealt with as misconduct under our grievance/disciplinary procedures. Any instance of gross misconduct can lead to instant dismissal.

Students receive a detailed Induction Pack at the start of their course together with a briefing on their first day. All students also receive a copy of our Code of Conduct which is clearly displayed in classrooms and on their on-line portal. This, together with related topics, including Prevent and Safeguarding, are further promoted through individual lessons and through the behaviours required to complete the course.

By encouraging an open dialogue between students, tutors and other members of staff, together with regular reviews, we aim to embed our equality and diversity values into everyday practice, policies and procedures so that equality and diversity becomes the norm for all.

We are committed to treating our clients, suppliers and anyone who has contact with PRTC under these principles. By demonstrating these beliefs PRTC aims to ensure that it develops a workforce that is diverse, non-discriminatory and appropriate to deliver training services. A copy of this policy can be found on our website.

Promoting the Policy

PRTC will promote this policy to employees, students, apprentices, employers, clients and other relevant stakeholders through staff induction, employee handbooks, student and apprentice induction materials, classroom displays, the online learning portal, employer communications, staff meetings and regular review discussions. The policy will be made available on the shared drive and highlighted as part of relevant training, safeguarding, Prevent and professional standards activities.

Engagement with the Policy

PRTC will encourage engagement with the policy by promoting open discussion, encouraging questions, seeking feedback and ensuring that staff, students, apprentices and employers understand their responsibilities. Equality, diversity, inclusion, respect and appropriate behaviour will be discussed during induction, reviews, lessons, staff meetings and employer contact. Individuals will be encouraged to raise concerns, challenge inappropriate behaviour and report any suspected discrimination, harassment, bullying or victimisation through the appropriate PRTC procedures.

Training Employees to Implement the Policy

All employees will receive information and guidance on this policy as part of their induction and will be expected to apply it in their day-to-day work. PRTC will provide appropriate training, updates and refresher guidance so that employees understand the requirements of the Equality Act 2010, inclusive practice, reasonable adjustments, respectful communication, safeguarding links, Prevent responsibilities and the procedures for reporting and responding to concerns. Managers and tutors are responsible for modelling expected behaviours and ensuring that the policy is implemented consistently.

Application in Training, Apprenticeships and Employer Engagement

When planning and delivering training, PRTC will consider the principles of this policy to ensure that teaching, assessment, resources, communication and support are inclusive and accessible. Tutors and assessors will take account of individual needs, make reasonable adjustments where appropriate, promote positive behaviours and challenge discriminatory language or conduct. When working with employers, PRTC will reinforce expectations around equality, diversity, dignity and respect in the workplace and will discuss any relevant support needs, barriers to learning or concerns during reviews, visits and communications. Apprentices will be encouraged to apply these values both during training and in the workplace.

Responsibility, Monitoring and Review

Overall responsibility for this policy rests with the Managing Director, with day-to-day responsibility shared by managers, tutors, assessors and all employees. PRTC will monitor the effectiveness of this policy through staff feedback, learner and apprentice feedback, employer feedback, reviews, complaints, incidents, training records and annual policy review. Any identified improvements will be considered and implemented where appropriate to ensure the policy remains effective, current and embedded in practice.

In summary, the Company will strive to

Equality is about treating everyone the same, it is about ensuring that access to opportunities is available to all by taking account of differing needs and capabilities.

Diversity is about recognising and valuing differences through inclusion, regardless of age, disability, gender, racial origin, religion, belief, sexual orientation, commitments outside work, part-time work, perspective, opinions and personal values.

Review. An annual review will take place to ensure the policy continues to meet the needs of the company and its personnel, students and current legislation.