CANDIDATE EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY
1. Introduction
Thatcham Automotive Academy (Thatcham) is an equal opportunities Training Provider which means that we will implement all relevant laws that outlaw discrimination.
Thatcham will demonstrate fairness and respect in our dealings with our employees, candidates, volunteers, partners, trustees and communities with whom we work.
Thatcham will not tolerate any unfair treatment, harassment, discrimination or bullying against anyone who attends our centre.
2. Candidate Responsibilities
We ask all of our, candidates and delegates (“Candidates”) to respect this policy and adhere to our Responsibility and Conduct document, which will be shared upon course induction.
Candidates must understand that failure to follow this policy may result in them being asked to leave the course.
3. Thatcham Employees Responsibilities
We ensure that all members of staff within Thatcham Academy:
- Understand and complies with our equality, diversity and inclusions policy
- Treat our customers with dignity and respect
- Undertake Equality & Diversity training upon commencement of employment
- Discourage discrimination and harassment by making it clear that such behaviour is unacceptable
- Raise any breaches or potential breaches of this policy with their Line Manager or Compliance Manager
- Investigate any complaints in line with Thatcham’s complaints procedure
4. What areas are covered under this policy?
The nine characteristics which are deemed as protected are:
- Age
- Disability
- Gender Re-assignment
- Marriage and Civil Partnership
- Pregnancy and Maternity
- Race
- Religion or Belief
- Sex
- Sexual Orientation
5. Fair Access to Assessment
All of our Candidates have a right to gain access to our services and a right to be treated in a fair, open and welcoming manner which is free from unlawful harassment or discrimination.
If a candidate feels that they have not been treated fairly, then they have the right to make a complaint. Please see section 6.
6. What to do if you feel that you’ve been treated unfairly
If you feel that you have been treated unfairly whilst undertaking learning activities at Thatcham Academy, then you will be able to make a complaint.
This complaint will be taken very seriously.
6.1 Complaint Against a Thatcham Employee
This will be logged in Thatcham’s Complaints Management System and investigated by a member of the Management Team.
If it’s found that the member of staff has acted in an unsatisfactory manner, this will be dealt with in line with Thatcham’s grievance policy.
If you would like to make a complaint against a member of Thatcham’s Academy staff, please speak to a member of the academy management team who will assist you in raising this for investigation.
6.2 Complaint Against a Fellow Candidate
We have a zero-tolerance policy in regards to bullying, harassment and discrimination.
All Candidates will be asked to adhere to a code of conduct whilst attending Thatcham and failure to comply to this, may be result in the Candidate being asked to leave their course.
If you would like to make a complaint against a fellow Candidate, please speak to your development coach, Instructor or a member of the academy management team, who will assist you in raising this for investigation.
7. Further Learning
7.1 Apprenticeship Programme
Within the Induction week of the Apprentice Block Release programme, additional advice/learning will take place in the form of the ‘Introduction to Diversity and Equality’ presentation/task.
This presentation can also be found on ecademy for future reference.