Language Trainers Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Policy

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to:

• Ensure equality of opportunity in employment, recruitment, and the treatment of all employees, clients, and teachers.
• Encourage diversity in our workforce, representing a broad range of perspectives and experiences.
• Foster an inclusive environment where everyone feels safe, respected, and supported.

Scope

This policy applies to all employees, contractors, job applicants, clients, suppliers, and partners of Language Trainers. It covers every aspect of employment, including recruitment, training, career development, promotion, and termination of employment.

Key Principles

• Equality: Ensuring that no individual is treated less favorably on the basis of age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, ethnicity, religion, disability, marital status, or any other protected characteristic.
• Diversity: Embracing and valuing the differences and uniqueness that each individual brings to our business, ensuring a variety of experiences, perspectives, and ideas are reflected across our workforce.
• Inclusion: Actively creating an environment where everyone feels welcomed, respected, and able to fully contribute without fear of discrimination, harassment, or exclusion.

Our Commitments

Language Trainers is committed to:

• Promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion in every aspect of our business operations.
• Adopting fair and transparent hiring, training, and promotion practices that encourage a diverse workforce.
• Providing reasonable accommodations and support to employees with disabilities.
• Ensuring fair treatment of all employees, with an equal opportunity to achieve their full potential based on merit.
• Tackling unconscious bias through training and awareness programs.
• Creating a safe and inclusive workplace free from harassment, bullying, or discrimination of any kind.

Legal Compliance

Language Trainers is committed to full compliance with the UK Equality Act 2010, which protects individuals from discrimination based on:

• Age
• Disability
• Gender reassignment
• Marriage and civil partnership
• Pregnancy and maternity
• Race (including color, nationality, and ethnic or national origins)
• Religion or belief
• Sex
• Sexual orientation

We will regularly review our policies and practices to ensure compliance with this and any other applicable legal frameworks.

Inclusive Recruitment and Career Development

To support our goal of fostering diversity and inclusion within the workplace, Language Trainers will:

• Advertise vacancies widely to attract candidates from a broad range of backgrounds.
• Implement fair recruitment processes, ensuring that job applicants are assessed solely on their skills, experience, and qualifications.
• Provide career development opportunities that are equally accessible to all employees.

Reasonable Adjustments and Support

Language Trainers is committed to supporting employees with disabilities or long-term health conditions by:

• Making reasonable adjustments to the workplace or working practices where necessary.
• Ensuring that all employees are aware of the support available to them.
• Maintaining confidentiality and sensitivity in all matters related to health and disability.

Zero Tolerance of Discrimination and Harassment

Language Trainers has a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of discrimination, harassment, or bullying in the workplace. All employees are expected to treat each other with respect and dignity. Any complaints of discrimination or harassment will be taken seriously and dealt with promptly in line with our grievance procedures.

Training and Awareness

We will provide ongoing training to all employees to promote awareness of equality, diversity, and inclusion, including:

• Raising awareness of unconscious bias and how it can impact decision-making.
• Understanding the importance of a diverse and inclusive workplace.
• Supporting managers to implement inclusive leadership practices.

Reporting Concerns

Language Trainers encourages a culture where employees feel comfortable reporting concerns about discrimination or harassment. Any such concerns can be raised in confidence without fear of retaliation. Concerns can be reported to:

Contact Information:

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: 0330 460 95 (01 574 7871 in Ireland)

All reports will be handled fairly, confidentially, and in accordance with our grievance procedures.

Monitoring and Review

We will regularly monitor our equality, diversity, and inclusion initiatives to ensure they remain effective. This includes:

• Conducting periodic reviews of our policies and practices to ensure they reflect best practices and legal requirements.
• Seeking feedback from employees to improve inclusivity in the workplace.

Policy Approval and Revision

This policy is approved by the leadership team and will be reviewed annually to ensure it remains relevant and up to date.