6 Sutton Park Road, Sutton, SM1 2GD
Equality, Diversity, Inclusion (EDI) Strategy
Policy Statement
The School is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are central to our values. We ensure that all policies and practices, from admissions to staff management, support a respectful and equitable learning and working atmosphere. Our EDI Strategy outlines our dedication to a culture where every individual is valued and empowered, free from discrimination and harassment, and supported in reaching their full potential. This commitment applies to all members of our community and guides our engagement with students, staff, and the wider public.
Principles
- Inclusivity: Creating an environment where everyone feels welcome, supported, and included.
- Equity: Ensuring fairness and justice in the way we teach, learn, and interact.
- Diversity: Valuing and embracing the richness that diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives bring.
- Accessibility: Providing equal access and opportunities for all members of the School community.
- Empowerment: Enabling everyone to participate fully and have a voice.
- Respect: Treating each individual with dignity and respect at all times.
- Awareness: Promoting awareness and understanding of EDI issues.
- Engagement: Involving the community in developing and implementing EDI initiatives.
- Leadership: Demonstrating leadership in EDI through proactive and committed actions.
- Continuous Improvement: Reviewing and enhancing EDI initiatives to ensure ongoing progress.
- Accountability: Clearly defining responsibilities and holding the community accountable for EDI outcomes.
- Learning: Encouraging continuous learning and development in EDI matters.
Regulatory Context
This Policy has been developed in line with the applicable laws, regulations, regulatory advice, and sector best practices, including the following:
Evaluating the Impact and Effectiveness of EDI Initiatives
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Commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) We will strive to be a leading institution in EDI, ensuring that students and staff from diverse backgrounds feel included, reach their full potential, and thrive. We aim to equip everyone to make a positive impact in social, educational, and professional contexts. To achieve this:
This approach ensures that we address existing gaps, adopt proven best practices, and foster a fully inclusive environment where all members of our community can excel and contribute positively. |
Strategic Focus 3: Empowering Staff and Unlocking Potential
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Enhancing EDI Support and Practices We will:
These actions will reinforce our commitment to EDI by enhancing support mechanisms, integrating EDI into recruitment and leadership, and actively addressing pay gaps and promotion equality. This approach ensures a supportive, inclusive environment where all staff can thrive and contribute effectively. |
Strategic Focus 4: Cultivating an Optimal Working and Learning Environment
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Enhancing EDI through Flexible Working and Campus Development We will:
These actions aim to improve EDI by supporting flexible working arrangements, enhancing local EDI governance, and creating an inclusive campus environment. This approach ensures that our working practices and physical spaces align with our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. |
Strategic Focus 2: Leveraging Technology to Enhance EDI
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Enhancing EDI through Technology We will:
These actions ensure that our technology practices are inclusive and equitable, supporting our commitment to EDI by addressing potential biases, enhancing accessibility, and integrating diverse perspectives into our technological solutions. |
Strategic Focus 1: Prioritising Student-Centric Practices
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Implementation of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Actions We will:
These actions are designed to integrate EDI into every aspect of the School’s operations, ensuring fair and supportive experiences for all students. By addressing specific gaps and enhancing support, we aim to create an inclusive environment that fosters positive outcomes and reflects our commitment to EDI. |
Accountability and Duties for EDI Implementation
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Advice
Statement of Intent The School is dedicated to providing a learning and working environment free from discrimination, harassment, and bullying. We foster a culture of mutual respect and support for diversity, ensuring that all students and staff can reach their full potential. Everyone, including staff, students, visitors, and applicants, is treated fairly regardless of age, disability, family responsibilities, gender identity, marital status, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or work/study habits. Upholding this policy is the responsibility of all members of the School community. This rule ensures a respectful and inclusive environment, reinforcing our commitment to fairness and diversity while making clear that everyone is responsible for maintaining these standards. |
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All Staff and Students All staff and students must:
These requirements ensure that everyone adheres to the policy and legal standards, promoting a consistent and fair approach to equality, diversity, and inclusion throughout the School. |
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Directors Directors must:
These actions ensure that staff model the values of equality and diversity, foster understanding and compliance among all members of the School, and integrate these principles into staff management, creating a supportive and inclusive environment. |
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Team Responsibilities for Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Team responsibilities include:
These rules outline clear responsibilities for each team to ensure the School's commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion is upheld across all aspects of its operations, from admissions and programme delivery to facilities management and staff support. |
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Compliance for External Contractors and Service Providers External contractors and service providers must ensure their staff adhere to this policy and all relevant legislation. The Executive Committee is responsible for ensuring that contractors and suppliers are informed about and committed to this policy. This rule ensures that all external parties working with the School follow the same standards of equality, diversity, and inclusion, maintaining consistency and compliance across all operations. |
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Board of Governors' Responsibilities for Equality and Diversity The Board of Governors must:
These responsibilities ensure that the Board effectively drives and maintains a commitment to equality and diversity, ensuring these principles are central to the School’s governance and operational practices. |
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Reporting and Investigating Discrimination, Harassment, and Bullying Staff or students with concerns about unlawful discrimination, harassment, or bullying must report them to their personal tutor, line manager, or a member of the Human Resources Team. All reported breaches will be investigated through the appropriate staff or student procedures, with possible disciplinary action if necessary. This ensures that concerns are addressed promptly and fairly, and that any breaches are dealt with in accordance with established procedures, maintaining a respectful and safe environment for everyone. |
Strategic Vision for EDI at the Institution
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Strategic Aims for Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) The School will embed Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) through the following four strategic aims:
These strategic aims are designed to ensure that EDI principles are integrated into every aspect of the School's operations. This approach will help us create a dynamic, inclusive environment that supports students and staff, leverages technology effectively, and fosters a vibrant learning community where everyone can thrive. |
Metrics and KPIs
The following metrics will be measured and regularly reviewed as key performance indicators for the School to ensure the effectiveness of this policy and associated operations.
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EDI Training Completion Rate
Monitor the percentage of staff and faculty who complete mandatory EDI training. Set a target of 100% completion within six months of onboarding. Ensures that all members of the institution are educated about EDI principles, which is crucial for fostering an inclusive environment. |
Staff Recruitment Diversity Rate
Track the percentage of new staff members from diverse backgrounds (e.g., gender, race, disability) against total hires. Aim for a 15% annual increase in staff diversity over the next three years. Evaluates the success of recruitment efforts in attracting diverse talent and helps ensure the workforce reflects a variety of perspectives. |
Student Admission Diversity Index
Measure the percentage of new students from groups (e.g., Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic, disabled) against the total admissions each academic year. This KPI directly assesses the effectiveness of admissions practices in enhancing diversity and ensures that the student body reflects a broad range of backgrounds. |
Student Satisfaction with EDI Services
Conduct annual surveys to gauge student satisfaction with EDI-related services and support. Aim for a satisfaction rate of at least 90% within the next year. Provides insight into the effectiveness of EDI services and identifies areas for improvement based on student feedback. |