EQUALITY, DIVERSITY & INCLUSIVITY POLICY 2025 – 2026.

Policy Statement:

HAVENBRIDGE COLLEGE LONDON is committed to fostering learning and working environment where equality, diversity, and inclusivity (EDI) are actively promoted and discrimination is not tolerated. We believe that diversity enhances our academic and social environment, and we strive to ensure that every individual feels respected, valued, and able to reach their full potential.

Purpose of the Policy:

This policy outlines our commitment to:

  • Ensuring equality of opportunity for all students, staff, and stakeholders.
  • Promoting a culture that celebrates diversity and values individual differences.
  • Creating an inclusive and safe environment where everyone feels welcomed, respected, and supported.

Scope of the Policy:

This policy applies to:

  • All students, staff, volunteers, governors, and contractors.
  • All activities and services provided by the college, including teaching, learning, assessment, recruitment, admissions, and partnerships.

Policy Statement:

The College will strive to make sure that:

  • All policies, procedures, decision-making, incorporate equality of opportunity and evaluation processes
  • A distinctly diverse atmosphere is established that celebrates diversity and increases ambition.
  • The fullest participation of all students and staff is ensured in all facets of college life 
  • All staff members are aware of standards and strategies to meet diverse learner needs and are prepared to respond effectively.
  • Flexible opportunities are provided that meet local learning needs and allow all students to realize their potential.
  • There are defined processes for contesting discrimination, harassment, and inappropriate behaviour.
  • Under-representation issues will be addressed and, when appropriate, integrated into equality and diversity impact metrics.

Legal Framework of our EDI Policy:

This policy is underpinned by the following legislation:

  • Equality Act 2010
  • Human Rights Act 1998
  • Special Educational Needs and Disability Act 2001
  • The Prevent Duty 2015
  • Any other applicable UK and regional equality legislation.

Our Commitments:

HAVENBRIDGE College London will

  • Treat all individuals fairly and with respect regardless of age, disability, gender, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity (the protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010).
  • Actively eliminate discrimination, harassment, victimisation, and any other conduct that is prohibited under equality legislation.
  • Foster good relations between people from diverse backgrounds.
  • Provide training and development opportunities to raise awareness of EDI.
  • Make reasonable adjustments to ensure accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
  • Monitor and evaluate EDI data to identify and address inequalities.

Our Responsibilities

  • Senior Leadership Team: Provide leadership and ensure that EDI is embedded in the college’s strategy and operations.

  • Human Resources: Ensure inclusive recruitment, staff support, and EDI training.

  • Staff Members: Promote and model inclusive behaviours and challenge any form of discrimination.

  • Students: Respect and value diversity and report discriminatory behaviour.

Implementation and Monitoring:

  • The college will regularly review its policies, practices, and data to ensure compliance and effectiveness.

  • Equality Impact Assessments (EIAs) will be conducted on policies, procedures, and changes to ensure they do not adversely impact protected groups.

  • Annual EDI reports will be presented to the Governing Body.

Complaints and Breaches:

Any breach of this policy will be taken seriously and may lead to disciplinary action. Complaints about discrimination, harassment, or unfair treatment should be raised through the college’s formal complaints or grievance procedure.

Review:

This policy will be reviewed annually or in response to legislative or institutional changes accordingly.