Equality Information and Objectives Statement

Equality Objectives Statement

The Diocese of St Albans Multi Academy Trust is committed to ensuring that all of those within our community flourish.   We, therefore, embrace our duties under the Equality Act 2010. The Trust’s general duties, with regard to equality, are:

• Eliminating discrimination.
• Fostering good relationships.
• Advancing equality of opportunity.

We will not discriminate against, harass or victimise any pupil, prospective pupil, or other members of the Trust community because of their:

• Sex
• Age
• Race
• Disability
• Religion or belief
• Sexual orientation
• Gender reassignment
• Pregnancy or maternity
• Marriage and civil partnership

The Trust schools are dedicated to delivering education that serves local communities.  Our schools are inclusive, welcoming those from all and no faiths, from all abilities and backgrounds.  We believe in providing a high-quality education underpinned by Christian values, which enables every child to flourish.

Our schools promote pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development, emphasising promoting equality and diversity and eradicating prejudicial incidents for pupils and staff. Our Trust is committed to eliminating discrimination and increasing understanding and appreciation for diversity.

Aims to eradicate discrimination

We believe that a greater level of success from pupils and staff can be achieved by realising the uniqueness of individuals. Creating a prejudice-free environment where individuals feel confident and at ease is a commitment of the Trust. This environment will be achieved by:

• Being respectful
• Always treat all members of the Trust community fairly
• Developing an understanding of diversity and the benefits it can have
• Adopting an inclusive attitude
• Adopting an inclusive curriculum that is accessible to all
• Encouraging compassion and open-mindedness

The Trust has a clear mission at its core, ensuring that all pupils are enabled to flourish, rooted in God’s Love – academically, socially, spiritually, physically and mentally.  Therefore, we are committed to having balanced and fair curricula in our schools.

We believe that our pupils should be exposed to ideas and concepts that may challenge their understanding to help ensure that pupils learn to become more accepting and inclusive of others. Challenging and controversial concepts will be delivered in a way that prevents discrimination and promotes inclusive attitudes. We will also respect the right of parents to withdraw their children from certain classes which pose conflicts to their own beliefs.

Dealing with prejudice

We do not tolerate any form of prejudice-related incident. Whether direct or indirect, we treat discrimination against all members of our Trust with the utmost severity. When an incident is reported, through our thorough reporting procedure, our Trust is devoted to ensuring appropriate action is taken and a resolution is put into place which is both fair and firm.

Pupils in our schools are taught to be:

• Understanding of others
• Celebratory of cultural diversity
• Eager to reach their full potential
• Inclusive
• Aware of what constitutes discriminatory behaviour

The Trust will not:

• Discriminate against any member of the Trust community
• Treat other members of the Trust community unfairly

The Trust will:

• Promote diversity and equality
• Encourage and adopt an inclusive attitude
• Lead by example

Equality and dignity in the workplace

The Trust is committed to equality and ensuring that all of the adults and employees in our Trust flourish.  We, therefore, do not discriminate against staff with regard to their:

• Sex
• Age
• Race
• Disability
• Religion or belief
• Sexual orientation
• Gender reassignment
• Pregnancy or maternity
• Marriage and civil partnership

Equality of opportunity and non-discrimination extends to the treatment of all Trust community members. All staff members are obliged to act according to the Trust’s various policies relating to equality.

We will guarantee that no redundancy results from direct or indirect prejudice. All disciplinary procedures are non-prejudicial, whether they result in warnings, dismissal, or any other disciplinary action.

Closing statement

Prejudice is not tolerated, and we are continuously working towards a more accepting and respectful environment for our Trust community