Equality policy
- Aims
Our college aims to meet its obligations under the public sector equality duty by having due regard to the need to:
Eliminate discrimination and other conduct that is prohibited by the Equality Act 2010
Advance equality of opportunity between people who share a protected characteristic and people who do
not share it
Foster good relations across all characteristics – between people who share a protected characteristic and
people who do not share it
At Blessed Edward Oldcorne Catholic College we wish to create and maintain a trusting, secure and happy
environment where everyone can work as equals. Our college virtues underpin this policy. All members of the college
community have responsibilities to promote equality of opportunity, experience and treatment. We are all treated
equally in the eyes of God and we are all of equal worth.
Our college consists of a diverse range of people – employees, visitors students and parents. We celebrate our
difference, by understanding them and enjoying the diversity this brings. This policy takes into account the
requirement of the Equality Act 2010. The policy will be applied to all staff and students, as well as any volunteers
working in Blessed Edward Oldcorne Catholic College. We want to foster mutual tolerance and our aim is for everyone
to feel valued within the college. By actively promoting equal opportunities and not discriminating either directly or
indirectly against anyone on the grounds of colour, race, nationality, beliefs, sexuality or gender the college can
ensure that all staff, students and volunteers:
Have opportunities to achieve their potential.
Have access to and can make full use of the college’s facilities and resources.
Are prepared for life in a diverse and multi-ethnic society.
Understand the meaning of prejudice, how discrimination occurs and how to take a stand against these.
Participate in our positive ethos and environment.
See that Racist and discriminatory incidents are dealt with effectively (see Discipline policy and Anti-Bullying Policy).
See that Inclusion issues are taken seriously and are considered in all aspects of college life.
Are free of any discrimination whether religious, race, disability, sexual orientation or gender. - Legislation and guidance
This document meets the requirements under the following legislation:
The Equality Act 2010, which introduced the public sector equality duty and protects people from
discrimination
The Equality Act 2010 (Specific Duties) Regulations 2011, which require colleges to publish information to
demonstrate how they are complying with the public sector equality duty and to publish equality objectives
This document is also based on Department for Education (DfE) guidance: The Equality Act 2010 and colleges. - Roles and responsibilities
The governing body will:
Ensure that the equality information and objectives as set out in this statement are published and
communicated throughout the college, including to staff, students and parents, and that they are reviewed
and updated at least once every four years
Delegate responsibility for monitoring the achievement of the objectives on a daily basis to the headteacher
The headteacher will:
Promote knowledge and understanding of the equality objectives amongst staff and students
Monitor success in achieving the objectives and report back to governors
All college staff are expected to have regard to this document and to work to achieve the objectives as set out in
section 8. - Eliminating discrimination
The college is aware of its obligations under the Equality Act 2010 and complies with non-discrimination provisions.
Where relevant, our policies include reference to the importance of avoiding discrimination and other prohibited
conduct.
Staff and governors are regularly reminded of their responsibilities under the Equality Act, for example during
meetings. Where this has been discussed during a meeting it is recorded in the meeting minutes. - Advancing equality of opportunity
As set out in the DfE guidance on the Equality Act, the college aims to advance equality of opportunity by:
Removing or minimising disadvantages suffered by people which are connected to a particular characteristic
they have
Taking steps to meet the particular needs of people who have a particular characteristic
Encouraging people who have a particular characteristic to participate fully in any activities
In fulfilling this aspect of the duty, the college will:
Publish attainment data each academic year showing how students with different characteristics are
performing
Analyse the above data to determine strengths and areas for improvement, implement actions in response and
publish this information
Make evidence available identifying improvements for specific groups
Publish further data about any issues associated with particular protected characteristics, identifying any issues
which could affect our own students - Fostering good relations
The college aims to foster good relations between those who share a protected characteristic and those who do not
share it by:
Promoting tolerance, friendship and understanding of a range of religions and cultures through different
aspects of our curriculum. This includes teaching in RE, citizenship and personal, social, health and economic
(PSHE) education, but also activities in other curriculum areas. For example, as part of teaching and learning in
English/reading, students will be introduced to literature from a range of cultures
Holding assemblies dealing with relevant issues. Students will be encouraged to take a lead in such assemblies
and we will also invite external speakers to contribute
Working with our local community. This includes inviting leaders of local faith groups to speak at assemblies,
and organising college trips and activities based around the local community
We have developed links with people and groups who have specialist knowledge about particular
characteristics, which helps inform and develop our approach - Equality considerations in decision-making
The college ensures it has due regard to equality considerations whenever significant decisions are made.
The college always considers the impact of significant decisions on particular groups. For example, when a college trip
or activity is being planned, the college considers whether the trip:
Cuts across any religious holidays
Is accessible to students with disabilities
Has equivalent facilities for boys and girls - Equality objectives
Objective 1: Undertake an analysis of recruitment data and trends with regard to race, gender and disability by July
2020, and report on this to the Finance and General Purposes committee of the governing board.
Objective 2: Have in place a reasonable adjustment agreement for all staff with disabilities by July 2020, to meet their
needs better and ensure that any disadvantages they experience are addressed.
Objective 3: Train all members of staff and governors involved in recruitment and selection on equal opportunities and
non-discrimination by the beginning of the next academic year. Training evaluation data will show that 100% of those
attending have a good understanding of the legal requirements. - Monitoring arrangements
The headteacher will update the equality information we publish, [described in sections 4-7 above], at least every
year.
This document will be reviewed by the governing body at least every 4 years.
This document will be approved by the governing body. - Links with other policies
This document links to the following policies:
Accessibility plan
Safeguarding policy
5
Anti bullying policy
APPENDIX 1
Gender Reassignment
Introduction
Gender reassignment is a protected characteristic under section 7 of the Equality Act 2010. This section states that “A
person has the protected characteristic of gender reassignment if the person is proposing to undergo, is undergoing or
has undergone a process (or part of a process) for the purpose of reassigning the person’s sex by changing
physiological or other attributes of sex.” It is important to note that gender reassignment is to do with the individual.
As a Catholic College we uphold the belief that everybody is made in the image and likeness of God and therefore
must have their unique dignity respected.
Blessed Edward Oldcorne Catholic College recognises that as soon as a student proposes to undergo a process which
will result in a change of sex they are protected from discrimination under the Equality Act 2010. When the college is
informed that a student is proposing to undergo gender reassignment the following steps will be followed.
Mentoring
A member of staff will be assigned to act as an identified point of contact for the parents and student.
Initial discussion
Initial discussions will take place between parents and the mentor to gather information on how the student can be
supported in college. The student will be asked which term he/she prefers the college to use when discussing their
gender identity. Some individuals may prefer to use the term transgender person or trans male or female. The student
and their parents will be asked if from this point onward they wish the student’s photograph to be used on the college
website, newsletter or future publicity material.
Toilets and changing facilities
The mentor will identify a toilet and changing facility for the student’s use. This will be done so as to respect the
dignity and privacy of the student and others using the toilet whilst ensuring their safety.
Physical Education
The college will deal with each student individually and sensitively in in terms of participation in PE whilst recognising
that each student has a right to access physical education in college. PE is important to the physical and mental
wellbeing of students and is a key part of the college curriculum. Issues will be discussed with the student and parents
and lesson plans will be devised sensitively and carefully in agreement with the mentor. Different rates of
development of students will be taken into account when considering participation in certain contact sports and
discussion will take place with parents and the student before the lesson. In terms of competitive college sports the
college will adopt a common sense approach in light of limited current guidance from sporting bodies.
Change of name
If parents request it the college will refer to a student who is proposing to undergo gender reassignment by their
preferred name. At this stage the Chair of Governors and staff will be informed by the Headteacher. The college will
also inform the Archdiocese and discuss the issue with their press officer. Staff will also be informed and asked to
pass all enquiries regarding the student to the Headteacher. At all times the college will be open and transparent
whilst recognising the student’s right to privacy. Staff will be reminded that they should not disclose information that
may reveal the student’s transgender status unless legally required to do so or the young person has asked them to do
so. Staff should not discuss the student outside of college even when making no particular reference to their name or
personal details.
College uniform
If after a series of meetings the parents request that their child be allowed to wear the uniform with which he/she
identifies the college will request a period of half a term before implementing the change. This is to ensure that all
necessary steps are followed in protecting the needs of the student concerned.
College trips
Learning about different cultures and lives and taking part in activities may involve overnight stays both at home and
abroad. The college recognises that issues may arise for young transgender people but these should not mean they
are excluded from the trip. Any trip involving overnight stays will be discussed well in advance with parents and the
student and consideration given to any additional needs, such as the safety of the child and other children and adults
on the trip. Plans will be agreed by the trip organiser and mentor.
Outside agencies
The college will liaise where necessary with any outside agencies working with the student who are aware of the
individual’s gender reassignment. Parental and student consent will be sought before doing so.
Medication
If the student is taking medication the college will ensure that appropriate staff are fully briefed on the effects of
these medications in line with all relevant college policies