Wilberforce College is committed to creating a safe, inclusive environment, where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect and can achieve their potential. We promote equality and celebrate diversity and are proud that integrity and respect are core to our culture.
We welcome applications for study and employment from all individuals, and do not treat anyone less favourably on the basis of any protected characteristic as defined in the Equality Act 2010 or socio-economic background. We are proud to recruit and retain a diverse range of talented students and staff and are committed to the ongoing implementation of our Single Equality Scheme.
As a College we:
Work actively towards promoting equality of opportunity for all of our students and staff in respect of:
• Access to and participation in education and training
• Selection, recruitment, promotion and staff training and personal development
• The curriculum and resources use
• The College environment provision of support
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- Foster a climate within the College community of high self-esteem, respect for others and commitment to maximise personal potential
- Address equal opportunities issues at the individual and institutional level with equal vigour
- Review and modify procedures and priorities as necessary to improve the implementation of the Single Equality Scheme
The College will continuously strive to meet our identified Equality and Diversity objectives:
- Develop an awareness of equality and diversity issues amongst all staff, students, governors and visitors parents/carers and all other relevant stakeholders
- Encourage the promotion of equality and celebration of diversity in all aspects of College life
- Foster good relations between persons who share protected characteristics and persons who do not share them
- Ensure that all members of the College community are valued equally
- Eliminate discriminatory practices, ensuring equitable treatment within the College and responding promptly to any concerns regarding inequitable treatment
- Eliminate all forms of harassment and victimisation
- Monitor equality and diversity and deal with any concerns which arise
- Comply with all general and specific duties set down by the public sector equality duty
Approved by Corporation March 2023
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What is Equality?
Equality means ensuring that all individuals and groups are treated fairly and equally. This means that no one is treated less favourably on the basis of their age, disability, gender, gender reassignment, pregnancy / maternity, race / ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation or marriage / civil partnership. These are protected characteristics as defined in the Equality Act 2010.
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What is Diversity?
Diversity means recognising, respecting and valuing people’s differences and understanding that everyone is an individual. Diversity is often thought of as race, but can include ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, geographical representation, socio-economic background, political beliefs and more. Diversity enriches the education experience and is celebrated at Wilberforce.
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The Equality Act 2010
The Equality Act 2010 contains the specific requirements that apply to any organisation that carries out public function, such as Wilberforce Sixth Form College.
These requirements state that we must:
- Eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation
- Advance equality of opportunity between different groups
- Foster good relations between different groups
The Act outlines nine protected characteristics:
- Age
- Disability
- Gender
- Gender reassignment
- Pregnancy and maternity
- Race
- Religion or belief
- Sexual orientation
- Marriage and civil partnerships
Discrimination, harassment and victimisation may include:
- Name calling
- Verbal threats and abuse
- Unwelcome physical contact
- Being deliberately excluded or left out
- Abuse via texts, emails or social media
- Non-verbal abuse including wolf whistling, signs and gestures
- Homophobic bullying or harassment
It is important to remember that you do not have to be the recipient of such discrimination or harassment to complain about it.
If you become aware of any discriminatory or bullying behaviour or action, you are encouraged to report this immediately. Acts of racial discrimination, harassment, victimisation or abuse will be treated as a serious disciplinary offence. Further detailed information on how to raise a complaint can be found within the Single Equality Scheme.
