Equality Information and Objectives
Aims
Our College aims to meet its obligations under the Public Sector Equality Duty by having due regard to the need to:
- Eliminate discrimination and other conduct that is prohibited by the Equality Act 2010
- Advance equality of opportunity between people who share a protected characteristic and people who do not share it
- Foster good relations across all characteristics – between people who share a protected characteristic and people who do not share it
Legislation and guidance
This document meets the requirements under the following legislation:
- The Equality Act 2010, which introduced the Public Sector Equality Duty and protects people from discrimination
- The Equality Act 2010 (Specific Duties) Regulations 2011, which require schools to publish information to demonstrate how they are complying with the Public Sector Equality Duty and to publish equality objectives
- This document is also based on Department for Education (DfE) guidance: The Equality Act 2010 and schools
Roles and responsibilities
The Local Governing Body will:
- Ensure that the equality information and objectives as set out in this statement are published and communicated throughout the College, including to staff, students and parents, and that they are reviewed and updated at least every four years or before in response to changes in legislation
- Delegate responsibility for monitoring the achievement of the objectives on a daily basis to the Principal
The Principal will:
- Promote knowledge and understanding of the equality objectives amongst staff and students
- Monitor success in achieving the objectives and report back to the Local Governing Body as required
- Ensure all employees in the College have regard to this document
Eliminating discrimination
The College is aware of its obligations under the Equality Act 2010 and complies with non-discrimination provisions. Where relevant, our policies include reference to the importance of avoiding discrimination and other prohibited conduct.
As set out in the DfE guidance on the Equality Act, the College aims to advance equality of opportunity by:
- Removing or minimising disadvantages suffered by people which are connected to a particular characteristic they have
- The College also aims to raise awareness of protected characteristics through a well-planned assembly schedule and the Citizenship Curriculum. Examples include coverage of issues related to the LGBTI agenda and mental health.
- Taking steps to meet the particular needs of people who have a protected characteristic, for example the College amends the calendar in response to Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr to provide an opportunity for students and staff to celebrate with their families. In addition, the College provides a quiet, food-free space during Ramadan for students who are fasting. The College also celebrates the culture of Britain through marking a series of nationally recognised festivals and events.
In fulfilling this aspect of the duty, the College will:
- Make available to the Local Governing Body attainment and progress data each academic year showing how students from a variety of backgrounds are performing, by gender and ethnicity.
- Analyse the above data to determine strengths and address any differences in outcomes, attendance and exclusions through the annually updated College Improvement Plan.
- Monitor bullying and hate incidents, particularly involving groups with a protected characteristic.
- Make available to the Local Governing Body on an annual basis and equality impact audit on the outcomes of performance management.
Fostering good relations
The College aims to foster good relations between those who share a protected characteristic and those who do not share it by:
- Promoting tolerance, friendship and understanding of a range of religions and cultures through different aspects of our curriculum. All year groups are taught Religious Education and Citizenship. In addition, SMSC is developed where appropriate in a range of other subjects, for example in English where literature from other cultures is studied.
- Working with our local community. This includes students from the College working with some of the local elderly residents to prepare food for them and involve them in activities at key times of the year. The College also works with members of the local Muslim community as well as the Inter-Faith Forum to provide help and advice on a variety of issues.
- Encouraging and implementing initiatives to deal with tensions between different groups of students within the College. For example, our Student Council has representatives from different year groups and comprises of students from a range of backgrounds. All students are encouraged to participate in the College’s activities, such as sports clubs.
- We have developed links with people and groups who have specialist knowledge about particular characteristics, which helps inform and develop our approach. Examples include Youth in Mind, LGBT Youth North West and Stonewall.
Equality considerations in decision-making
The College ensures it has due regard to equality considerations whenever significant decisions are made. The College always considers the impact of significant decisions on particular groups. For example, when a trip or activity is being planned, the College considers whether the trip:
- Cuts across any religious holidays
- Is accessible to students with disabilities
- Has equivalent facilities for boys and girls
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