1. Introduction
UK Skills Academy (UKSA) is committed to supporting, developing and promoting equality, diversity and inclusion in all of its practices and activities and aims to establish an inclusive culture free from discrimination which is based upon our values.
We will support and develop our employees and learners by providing access to facilities, personal and career development opportunities, employment and training on the basis of equality.
UKSA is committed to eliminating discrimination and advancing equality on the grounds of:
Age
Disability
Gender reassignment
Marriage and civil partnership
Pregnancy and maternity
Race
Religion and belief (including lack of belief)
Sex
Sexual orientation
We are also committed to fostering good relations between different groups.
This policy builds upon the foundation of equality and anti-discrimination legislation and guidance. We aim not only to comply with legal requirements, but to work towards best practice.
The Equality Act 2010 covers the same groups of individuals protected by previous legislation. These groups are now referred to as “protected characteristics.”
Protected Characteristics Under the Equality Act 2010
1. Age
The Act protects employees of all ages. Age is the only protected characteristic where direct discrimination may be justified if an employer can demonstrate that different treatment is a proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim.
2. Disability
The Act protects disabled individuals from unfair treatment arising from disability. It also extends protection against indirect discrimination.
The Act also makes it unlawful, with limited exceptions, for employers to ask health-related questions before offering employment.
3. Gender Reassignment
It is unlawful to treat individuals less favourably because they propose to undergo, are undergoing, or have undergone gender reassignment.
4. Marriage and Civil Partnership
The Act protects employees who are married or in a civil partnership.
5. Pregnancy and Maternity
The Act protects women against discrimination because they are pregnant or have given birth.
6. Race
Protection applies on the grounds of race, including:
Colour
Nationality
Ethnic origin
National origin
7. Religion or Belief
The Act protects individuals on the grounds of religion, belief, or lack of belief.
8. Sex
The Act protects individuals from discrimination based on sex, including unequal pay for equal work.
9. Sexual Orientation
The Act protects bisexual, gay, heterosexual and lesbian individuals from discrimination.
UKSA values diversity and recognises that the organisation is strengthened by the wide range of backgrounds, experiences, views, beliefs and cultures represented among its stakeholders.
All learners and employees are treated fairly and with respect. Recruitment onto training programmes is based on criteria set out by funding agencies and employers. Selection for employment, promotion, training or any other benefit is based solely on aptitude and ability.
All learners and employees are encouraged to develop their full potential, ensuring that the talents and resources of the workforce are fully utilised.
2. Policy Statement
UKSA is an equal opportunities training provider and welcomes applications from all eligible individuals regardless of demographic background.
We believe that everyone has the right to be treated with dignity and respect and that nobody should be:
Bullied
Harassed
Discriminated against
Victimised
UKSA is firmly committed to fair treatment for all and complies with all relevant legislation in this area.
We will:
Communicate our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy to all stakeholders and discuss its implications
Take positive action to eliminate discrimination or inequality
Adhere to all applicable legislation and Equality and Human Rights Commission Codes of Practice
Foster good working relationships with partners and stakeholders
Update policies and working practices in line with legislation
Ensure learning and assessment materials are inclusive and promote diversity
3. Definitions
Equality
Creating an environment where everybody is treated fairly and valued as individuals. Equality does not mean treating everyone identically, but ensuring equitable treatment according to individual needs.
Diversity
Recognising and valuing visible and non-visible differences between individuals and appreciating the unique contribution everyone makes.
Inclusion
Ensuring all people have equal access to opportunities and are fully included regardless of background or circumstances.
Direct Discrimination
Treating someone less favourably because of a protected characteristic.
Indirect Discrimination
Applying rules or practices equally that disadvantage certain groups.
Dual Discrimination
Direct discrimination based on two protected characteristics.
Multiple Discrimination
Discrimination based on several aspects of a person’s identity.
Discrimination by Association
Discrimination against an individual due to their association with another person.
Harassment
Unwanted behaviour creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment.
Examples include:
Verbal abuse
Racist jokes
Unwanted physical contact
Sexual advances
Ridicule or isolation
Victimisation
Treating someone unfairly because they have made or supported a discrimination complaint.
4. Purpose
Our Commitment
UKSA is committed to:
Creating an environment where differences are recognised and valued
Providing a workplace free from intimidation, bullying and harassment
Ensuring training and progression opportunities are available to all staff
Reviewing employment practices to ensure fairness
Treating breaches of this policy as misconduct
Providing an inclusive environment for all learners and employees
Policy Objectives
We aim to:
Create a working environment free from discrimination, harassment and bullying
Promote equality in employment and training
Encourage employees to develop their full potential
Ensure equal treatment regardless of protected characteristics
Protect individuals who raise concerns regarding discrimination
Apply equality principles to all employment conditions
Monitor equality, diversity and inclusion data
Reduce achievement gaps between learner groups
Expected Behaviours
All learners and employees are expected to:
Treat others with respect
Recognise each other’s skills and knowledge
Value professional integrity and judgement
Be open and inclusive
Avoid stereotyping
Promote equality of opportunity
Treat all learners and colleagues fairly
Employees observing behaviour contrary to this policy should report concerns to their line manager or the Director of Quality and Safeguarding.
Prevent Duty and British Values
UKSA supports the Prevent Duty and promotes British values including:
Democracy
The rule of law
Individual liberty
Mutual respect and tolerance
Democracy
Learners are encouraged to influence decision-making through learner voice activities, questionnaires and interviews.
The Rule of Law
Learners are informed of UKSA’s Code of Conduct and disciplinary procedures to promote a safe environment.
Individual Liberty
UKSA supports informed choices and freedom of belief within appropriate boundaries.
Mutual Respect
Respect for others is central to UKSA’s values and culture.
Tolerance of Different Faiths and Beliefs
UKSA promotes understanding and acceptance of different beliefs, cultures and values.
5. Application of the Policy
Recruitment and Selection
UKSA will ensure recruitment processes are:
Transparent
Fair
Free from bias
Non-discriminatory
Recruitment Principles
Application forms will only request relevant information
Advertisements will use non-discriminatory language
Vacancies will be advertised widely and fairly
Interviews will be conducted consistently
Reasonable adjustments will be made for disabled applicants
Interview notes will be securely retained
Recruitment of Ex-Offenders
UKSA complies fully with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Code of Practice and treats applicants fairly regardless of offending background.
We:
Promote equality of opportunity
Welcome applicants with criminal records where appropriate
Assess candidates based on skills, qualifications and experience
Discuss DBS disclosures openly and fairly before any employment decision is made
Grading and Promotion
Promotion and grading procedures will be applied fairly, consistently and without prejudice.
Staff Development
All staff will have equal access to:
Induction
Personal development
Career development opportunities
Facilities
Performance Management
Probation and appraisal procedures will be:
Transparent
Fair
Consistently applied
Discipline and Grievance
Disciplinary and grievance procedures will be applied fairly to all employees.
Allegations of discrimination, harassment or inappropriate behaviour will be addressed through the appropriate procedures.
UKSA will collect and analyse data relating to complaints and grievances, including discrimination claims.
6. Training
Equality, diversity and inclusion awareness training is mandatory for all staff.
Information and policy updates are communicated through:
Staff meetings
Standardisation activities
SharePoint
Policy update webinars
Learners are introduced to this policy during induction and through ongoing teaching and progress reviews.
7. Communication of this Policy
This policy is communicated through:
Policy update webinars
Team meetings
Standardisation sessions
SharePoint
8. Responsibilities
Every learner and employee has a responsibility to ensure the organisation is free from discrimination.
Anyone committing discriminatory acts may face disciplinary action up to and including dismissal for gross misconduct.
UKSA’s Senior Management Team holds overall responsibility for this policy, with day-to-day responsibility delegated to line managers.
Reporting Concerns
Employees who believe they have experienced discrimination should contact:
Their line manager, or
The Director of Quality and Safeguarding
Learners should raise concerns through:
Their Tutor / Skills Coach, or
The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
All matters raised will be:
Treated seriously
Handled confidentially
Managed sensitively
Malicious allegations may result in disciplinary action.
All matters will be addressed through the appropriate grievance and disciplinary procedures.
Responsibility for review : Gemma Fletcher Chief Executive Officer
Review Date: October 2026