Equality & Diversity Policy
Policy Statement
DAC Training Solutions is committed to encouraging diversity and eliminating in both its role as an employer and as a training provider.
DAC Training Solutions aims to create a culture that respects and values each other’s differences, that promotes dignity, equality and diversity, and that encourages individuals to develop and maximise their potential. We are committed wherever practicable to achieving and maintaining a workforce that broadly reflects the local community in which we operate.
Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to provide equality and fairness for all in our employment and learners in the provision of services and not to discriminate on the grounds of gender, marital status, race, ethnic origin, colour, nationality, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, religion or age.
DAC Training Solutions opposes all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination.
Principles
DAC Training Solutions commitment to equality and diversity is:
To create an environment in which individual differences and the contributions of all our employees, are recognised and valued.
To create a working and learning environment that promotes dignity and respect for all. No form of intimidation, bullying or harassment will be tolerated
To ensure training, development and progression opportunities are available to all
To promote equality in the workplace and learning enviroment, which it believes is good management practice and makes sound business sense
To regularly review all employment practices and procedures to ensure that no job applicants, staff are treated less favourably than others
To regularly review services to ensure they are accessible and appropriate to all groups within society
To treat breaches of the equality policy seriously and to act when required
To provide information and training to all employees so that they are fully aware of the issues relating to Equality and diversity and their responsibilities relating to it
To develop and equality action plan, to ensure our equality and diversity policy is fully implemented
To ensure the policy is fully supported by company director
To monitor and review the policy annually
Procedures
Positive action
DAC Training Solutions will act positively in using the equality and diversity policy as a means of making public its commitment to provide equal opportunities to all present and future employees and Learners.
DAC Training Solutions encourages all employees to apply for suitable opportunities and to seek training for promotion or skills
The equality and diversity policy forms part of the staff handbook and contract of employment and the Learner Welcome Pack.
Any form of discrimination by an employee or Learner, is treated very seriously and where appropriate will be dealt with using the disciplinary procedure
Positive discrimination
Positive discrimination is illegal and the recruitment of ‘quotas’ of particular groups is also illegal
Discrimination in selection to achieve or secure a balance of persons of different racial groups is also not allowed under the race relations act 1976
There is an exception, however, which may be appropriate for certain posts in DAC Training Solutions, e.g. when a genuine occupational qualification (GOQ) is necessary or desirable for a particular group or sex
Company director is responsible for short listing, interviewing and selection of candidates will be:
Clearly informed of selection criteria and the need for their consistent application:
Given guidance on the effects which generalised assumptions about people from groups quoted in the policy statement can have on selection decisions
Made aware of the possible misunderstanding that can occur between persons from different culture backgrounds
Interviewing
All interviews for staff will be carried out by a minimum of 2 people, the name and gender of the interviewees will be made available in advance
The questions asked will seek to gather objective evidence in support of the job description and personal specification. The same questions will be asked of all candidates applying for the job. Disabled candidates will be asked if they need support during the interview process or adjustments should they be offered the position
Notes will be taken and evidence gathered against the job description and personal specification
All candidates will be asked about their eligibility to work
Selection
All candidates will be scored against the job description and person specification. The highest scoring applicants will be offered the position
Offers will be made to successful candidates, subject to satisfactory references and CRB check
All unsuccessful candidates will be informed of the results of their application and offered brief feedback
CRB Policy
All candidates are required to have a basic CRB check carried out however certain positions we will request enhance disclosures for all employees, this requirement will be clearly stated in the application pack
Induction and training
All employees will be required to follow an appropriate induction process to ensure they are equipped to do the job
Both the race relations act 1976 and sex discrimination act 1975 allow these exceptions
Recruitment
Job descriptions and personal specifications are prepared for all posts. The job description indicates the responsibilities and tasks to be undertaken by the job holder. The personal specification describes the qualification, skills and abilities required
A list of preferred criteria may also be prepared. Care will be taken to ensure that neither the description nor the specifications are discriminatory on the grounds quoted in the policy statement
Advertising
DAC Training Solutions will use a range of advertising methods in order to attract the widest pool of appropriate applications
Vacancies for new and existing jobs will normally be advertised internally and externally. All out adverts will:
Contain the statement ‘DAC Training Solutions Equal opportunities employer’
Ensure that we do not exclude, discriminate against, or discourage any particular group from applying nor make it difficult for anyone from such a group to apply
Refer to the job description and personal specification in order give information about the requirements of the job
Give clear instructions about obtaining the application pack
Applications and short lists
All applicants will be asked to fill out an application form which contains only information essential and relevant to the appointment
Different formats will be available. Applications will be short listed by at least 2 people. Short listing will be performed on the basis of objective criteria and the extent, to which candidates have shown, in the application form, that they meet the required personal specification, and can carry out tasks and responsibilities required of the post-holder
Formal qualifications and standards of literacy and numeracy will only be considered when they are recognised as necessary for a particular job. Short listed candidates will be invited to an interview.
All employees will receive training on the equality and diversity policy, procedures and action plans as part of their induction
Flexible working
DAC Training Solutions will consider all requests for flexible working arrangements constructively and creatively, taking account of the balancing needs of the organisation with needs of individual employee.
DAC Training Solutions will offer a range of flexible working arrangements and will work collaboratively to identify solutions that suits both the individual and the organisation
Promotion
All vacancies will be advertised internally and externally, when appropriate
Training
All employees have access to a wide range of training opportunities which are regularly circulated. Training opportunities will be discussed during supervision sessions and selection for training will be made on the basis of both the needs of the business set out in the business plan and the personal development of the individual
Special needs and requirements for people with disabilities and caring responsibilities will be taken into account whenever practicable and methods sought to help then overcome disabilities in taking up training opportunities
Staff with management, recruitment and selection responsibilities will be given guidance in the implementation of the equal and diversity policy to ensure that they understand their position in law and under the organisation policy
Induction training will include an explanation of the equal opportunities policy and a requirement to undertake formal training within the probationary period of employment
Terms and conditions
Annual leave and religious holidays
DAC Training Solutions will not ask about an employees or learners religion and will not discriminate against anyone wishing to celebrate their festivals
Employees are required to use part of their annual holiday entitlement to cover time off for these and must follow the normal holiday booking procedure
Culture and religious needs
Where employees, learners have particular culture and religious needs, DAC Training Solutions will consider whether it is reasonably practicable to meet these needs while maintaining the efficiency of the business
People with disabilities
DAC Training Solutions will make genuine efforts to recruit people with disabilities and take reasonable steps to make the workplace and learning environment and individual jobs accessible to people with disabilities
DAC Training Solutions will regularly review its facilities for disabled employees, and will try to overcome any problem faced wherever practicable and within reasonable resources available
DAC Training Solutions will ensure that people have maximum access to employment and learning opportunities and to meetings and events, regardless of any disability
Grievances and disciplinary procedures
DAC Training Solutions will take seriously any complaints of discrimination and will not victimise people who make such complaints
Staff will be made aware as part of the induction process of their responsibilities in relation to equality and diversity and that discriminatory behaviour will be fully investigated and dealt with using the disciplinary procedure
Bulling and harassment
DAC Training Solutions upholds the right of all employees to be treated with respect and dignity and to work in an atmosphere free of bullying and harassment
All employees are responsible for ensuring that their own behaviour is sensitive to others and for ensuring that they do not condone or support the bullying or harassing behaviour of others
All complaints of bullying and harassment will be treated seriously and should be raised using the grievance procedure. All complaints will be investigated and where appropriate, the disciplinary procedure will be followed