Equality, Diversity, Inclusion Policy
Equality and diversity is the idea of promoting and accepting the differences between people. More specifically, equality is about ensuring individuals are treated fairly and equally, no matter their race, gender, age, disability, religion or sexual orientation. Diversity is about recognising and respecting these differences to create an all-inclusive atmosphere.
CMC is fully committed to equality, diversity, inclusion in our training and operation. Details of our equality, diversity and inclusion for recruitment is set out in our Recruitment Policy.
It is the College’s belief that true diversity and inclusion comes from natural acceptance rather than the promotion and focus on such ideals. We are working for a time when such a policy and its promotion become unnecessary.
This policy is relevant to all staff, tutors and all learners, including apprentices.
This policy is reviewed annually and the next full review date is August 2024.
Equality and Diversity
CMC is committed to providing services which embrace diversity and that promote equality of opportunity. As an employer and training provider, CMC is committed to equality and valuing diversity within its workforce and its learners. Our goal is to ensure that these commitments, reinforced by our values, are embedded in our day-to-day working practices with all our customers and learners.
We will provide equality of opportunity and will not tolerate discrimination on grounds of age, disability, gender, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation – or any other grounds.
Every person working for CMC has a personal responsibility for implementing and promoting these principles in their day-to-day dealings with everyone – including members of the public, other staff and employers. Inappropriate behaviour is not acceptable.
We think it is important that all our people can contribute to the achievement of the company’s objectives. Teaching will be accessible to all learners and any learner who wishes to discuss any requirements that they may need to have in place is encouraged to notify our team prior to the course taking place so that arrangements can be made. Please contact our Admin Team on:
- Tel: + 44 (0) 1954 234940
- E-mail: info@marketingcollege.com
CMC Commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
CMC is committed to:
- Encourage equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
- Create a working and learning environment free of 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.
- This commitment includes training all staff about their rights and responsibilities under the equality, diversity and inclusion policy. Responsibilities include staff conducting themselves to support the College to provide equal opportunities in employment and to prevent bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination.
All staff receive training to ensure understanding that they, as well as CMC, can be held liable for acts of bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination, in the course of their employment, against fellow employees, customers, suppliers, learners and the public. - Take seriously complaints of bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination by fellow employees, customers, suppliers, visitors, learners, the public and any others in the course of the organisation’s work activities.
Such acts will be dealt with as misconduct under the organisation’s grievance and/or disciplinary procedures and appropriate action will be taken. Particularly serious complaints could amount to gross misconduct and lead to dismissal without notice.
Further, sexual harassment may amount to both an employment rights matter and a criminal matter, such as in sexual assault allegations. In addition, harassment under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997, which is not limited to circumstances where harassment relates to a protected characteristic, is a criminal offence. - Make opportunities for training, development and progress available to all staff, who will be helped and encouraged to develop their full potential, so their talents and resources can be fully utilised to maximise the efficiency of the organisation.
- Decisions concerning staff being based on merit (apart from in any necessary and limited exemptions and exceptions allowed under the Equality Act).
- Review employment practices and procedures regularly to ensure fairness and also update them and the policy to take account of changes in the law under the oversight and direction of our professional HR consultancy, Croner Group.
Promotion of the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Understanding and mutual respect are the keys to successful equality, diversity and inclusion. It also comes from being mindful of differences, such as neurodiversity and dietary requirements. The College is committed to promoting this policy by its embedding mutual tolerance and respect in its day to day working culture and in the teaching materials that it uses. We are mindful of our responsibilities as a training organisation.
Promotion in teaching includes embedding E, D I in teaching materials, such as case studies, best practice guidance and with teaching materials designed to encompass different learning styles. The College employs a Learning Styles Advisor who can help all learners with learning styles advice. He also carries out Learning Styles research to ensure we embed best practice. Any learner can ask to speak to him via their tutor or contacting info@marketingcollege.com.
The ethos of equality, diversity and inclusion is promoted to learners, tutors and staff on induction. It is also a regular hot topic in training for apprentices and all staff. Case studies on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in action are included in the apprentices’ monthly newsletter.
Working with employers and apprentices
Equality and Diversity is discussed with apprentices and line managers at Induction, where a specific question asks about their E, D, I policy and procedures.
Where we are supporting the employers to recruit apprentices via Find an Apprentice, we discuss best practice for recruitment.
We use our apprentice progress reviews as an opportunity to ask apprentices and their employer about their experiences during training and at work, and to monitor how employers promote equal opportunities within the workplace. A copy of this policy is in the apprentices’ online learning zone.
All learners have their own culture, health, religious or support requirements discussed at Induction in a confidential and supportive manner to discuss how needs can be met.
Staff Recruitment
Staff are recruited in line with current Government legislation (currently the Equality Act 2010) and Safer Recruitment (currently Keeping Children Safe in Education 2023)
Supporting the Policy through staff training and awareness
Awareness of and respect for equality, diversity and inclusion is part of our regular staff training.
Teaching staff are reminded of their responsibilities to model behaviour in our bi-annual tutor training when case studies and other teaching material that supports Equality, Diversity and Inclusion is exchange
In all cases the training for both teaching staff and support staff is recorded for CPD purposes.
Learners are taught this through diverse and inclusive teaching materials supporting different viewpoints, and promoting Equality, Diversity and Inclusion as a business sensible approach in a multi-cultural, diverse world.
Recruitment
The College is committed to a policy of treating all its applicants equally and to recruiting the best person for each vacancy. No employee or potential employee shall receive less favourable treatment or consideration during recruitment and selection on the grounds of race, colour, religion or belief, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender, age, disability, marital status or part-time status or will be disadvantaged by any conditions of employment that cannot be justified as necessary on operational grounds.
Existing employees will be invited to apply for transfer and promotion opportunities wherever possible. The company understands that ensuring the highest standards in recruitment will provide the best results both for employees and for the development and growth of the company.
Full details of our Recruitment Policy and Processes are available online in our staff area and a link is provided to all applicants. A copy is available on request by contacting 01954 234 490, our live chat or emailing info@marketingcollege.com.
All learners have access to all policies as part of the e-portfolio and it is further explained and covered in the induction booklet.