Equality and Diversity Policy
Creating an environment where everyone is valued, respected and able to reach their full potential.
Our commitment
Beanstalk Skills Academy CIC is committed to eliminating discrimination and encouraging diversity amongst all our team. Our aim is to create a positive culture throughout, where diversity, inclusion and respect are core values and at the centre of all our activities.
We are committed to tackling all forms of discrimination and inequality in the workplace and the services we provide. We will promote equality of opportunity and prevent all forms of unlawful or unfair discrimination, harassment and victimisation on grounds of gender, marital status, race, ethnic origin, colour, nationality, disability, sexual orientation, religion, age, and maternity or paternity status.
What this means in practice
- To create an environment in which individual differences and the contributions of all staff and volunteers are recognised and valued.
- Every employee and volunteer is entitled to a working environment that promotes dignity and respect. No form of intimidation, bullying or harassment will be tolerated.
- All employees and volunteers will be treated fairly and with respect.
- Selection for employment, promotion, training or any other benefit will be on the basis of aptitude and ability.
- All employees and volunteers will be helped and encouraged to develop their full potential.
- We will encourage positive action to overcome disadvantage and discrimination.
- We will review all our employment practices and procedures to ensure fairness.
Protected characteristics
This policy reflects the principles of the Equality Act 2010. The following nine characteristics are protected:
Age
Protection against discrimination for people of all ages.
Disability
Physical, mental or sensory conditions that have a long-term effect.
Gender reassignment
Protection for people reassigning or who have reassigned their gender.
Marriage and civil partnership
Applies in the workplace to those who are married or in a civil partnership.
Pregnancy and maternity
Protection during pregnancy and during maternity leave.
Race
Includes colour, nationality and ethnic or national origins.
Religion or belief
Includes any religion, religious or philosophical belief, or lack of belief.
Sex
Protection against discrimination on the grounds of being male or female.
Sexual orientation
Whether a person is attracted to people of the same sex, opposite sex or both.
Unacceptable behaviour
Bullying, harassment and discriminatory behaviour are unacceptable and should be challenged. All employees, volunteers and Board of Directors have a responsibility to report any offensive behaviour to their appropriate line manager.
Discrimination, bullying, harassment or exclusion is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Any breach of this policy will be dealt with fairly within the Beanstalk Skills Academy Disciplinary Procedure.
Our responsibilities
Management
- Lead by example and demonstrate commitment to equality and diversity.
- Ensure all staff receive equality and diversity awareness training.
- Take appropriate action when discriminatory behaviour is reported.
- Create and maintain an inclusive working environment for all.
Staff and Volunteers
- Treat all colleagues, participants and visitors with dignity and respect.
- Report any discriminatory behaviour to their line manager.
- Not engage in any form of harassment, bullying or discrimination.
- Complete equality and diversity training when required.
Contractors
- Comply with this policy when working with Beanstalk Skills Academy CIC.
- Treat all staff, volunteers and participants with dignity and respect.
- Report any concerns about discriminatory behaviour to their contact at Beanstalk.
- Ensure their own staff are aware of and comply with these standards.
Policy approved: April 2025. Reviewed annually. Validated by: Non-Executive Director of HR and Organisational Development.