1. Policy Statement
Learnera LTD is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and equitable environment for all employees, learners, contractors, and stakeholders. We recognise and value diversity in all its forms and believe that equality and inclusion are fundamental to achieving excellence in eLearning delivery, user experience, and workplace culture.
Our mission is to ensure that no individual or group is treated less favourably or discriminated against on the basis of characteristics protected under the Equality Act 2010, including:
Age
Disability
Gender reassignment
Marriage and civil partnership
Pregnancy and maternity
Race
Religion or belief
Sex
Sexual orientation
This Policy supports our legal obligations and demonstrates our organisational commitment to social responsibility, ethical education, and inclusive employment practices.
2. Policy Objectives
To eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment, victimisation, and any other conduct prohibited by the Equality Act 2010.
To promote equality of opportunity between persons who share a protected characteristic and those who do not.
To foster good relations among employees, learners, and stakeholders from diverse backgrounds.
To integrate inclusive principles into our teaching, platform design, recruitment, communications, and strategic decision-making.
3. Scope of the Policy
This Policy applies to all aspects of the Company’s operations, including:
Recruitment, selection, and employment practices
Learning design, course delivery, and assessment
Client and learner interaction and support
Partnerships, marketing, and communications
Procurement, contracting, and third-party services
It is binding on all employees (regardless of contractual status), directors, freelancers, service providers, agents, and associated persons working on behalf of the Company.
4. Definitions
Equality: Ensuring individuals are treated fairly and are not disadvantaged because of a protected characteristic.
Diversity: Acknowledging, valuing, and respecting individual differences in culture, identity, background, and experiences.
Inclusion: Actively creating an environment where all individuals feel welcome, respected, supported, and empowered to contribute fully.
Discrimination: Unfair treatment based on a protected characteristic, whether direct, indirect, by association, or by perception.
Harassment: Unwanted conduct related to a protected characteristic that has the purpose or effect of violating a person’s dignity or creating a hostile environment.
5. Legal Framework
This Policy is underpinned by the following UK legislation and guidance:
Equality Act 2010
Employment Rights Act 1996
Human Rights Act 1998
Public Sector Equality Duty (where applicable)
ACAS Code of Practice on Equality and Diversity
Ofsted/DfE guidance on equality in education and training (as relevant)
6. Employment and Recruitment
Learnera LTD is committed to being an equal opportunities employer and ensuring a workplace free from discrimination. Specifically:
All recruitment and selection decisions are made on the basis of merit, skills, qualifications, and business needs.
Job descriptions and person specifications are equality-screened.
Shortlisting, interviewing, and selection panels are trained to prevent unconscious bias and promote inclusive hiring.
Reasonable adjustments are made for disabled applicants at all stages of recruitment.
Data is monitored to identify and address any potential imbalances or patterns in hiring, pay, and progression.
7. Learning Experience and Platform Accessibility
We aim to provide a digital learning experience that is accessible, relevant, and inclusive for all learners:
Course content is developed using inclusive language, representative imagery, and diverse perspectives.
Our learning platform conforms to recognised accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG 2.1), ensuring usability for learners with visual, auditory, physical, or cognitive impairments.
Learners are encouraged to disclose additional learning needs or disabilities, and we will make reasonable adjustments to ensure full participation.
Assessment methods are designed to be fair and inclusive, with alternative formats available when needed.
Tutors and support staff are trained in equality-aware education practices.
8. Behaviour, Conduct and Culture
We expect all members of our organisation and community to treat one another with dignity and respect:
Discrimination, bullying, harassment, or victimisation will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
Allegations will be taken seriously and investigated promptly and fairly.
All employees, learners, and contractors are required to uphold this Policy as a condition of employment or engagement.
We actively promote an inclusive culture through training, campaigns, staff development, and learner engagement.
9. Communications and Marketing
We ensure that all external and internal communications reflect our commitment to equality and diversity:
Marketing materials and course content avoid stereotypes and are representative of diverse audiences.
Language used in learner support, terms and conditions, and correspondence is inclusive and accessible.
Communications accommodate learners with different language needs or visual impairments when reasonably possible.
10. Training and Development
We provide the following equality and diversity training:
Mandatory induction training for all new employees and contractors
Annual refresher training via our eLearning platform
Role-specific modules for managers, HR, tutors, and developers
Specialist training where required (e.g., disability awareness, inclusive design)
11. Responsibilities
Senior Leadership Team
Lead by example in championing equality and inclusion.
Ensure strategic alignment of this Policy with organisational goals.
Human Resources / Compliance Officer
Maintain, implement, and monitor this Policy.
Handle equality-related complaints and reports sensitively and confidentially.
All Employees and Contractors
Take personal responsibility for fostering an inclusive environment.
Report incidents of discrimination, harassment, or unfair treatment.
12. Reporting and Complaints Procedure
Any individual who believes they have experienced or witnessed discrimination, harassment, or inequality may raise their concerns via the Company’s Equality Complaints Procedure or general Grievance Policy.
Reports will be investigated impartially and in a timely manner.
Complainants will not be penalised for raising genuine concerns in good faith.
Appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal, may be taken where breaches of this Policy are confirmed.
13. Monitoring, Evaluation and Review
We will:
Collect and analyse data on workforce diversity, recruitment outcomes, learner feedback, and complaint trends.
Monitor the effectiveness of this Policy through annual internal reviews.
Update this Policy in response to legislative changes or organisational developments.
All policies, procedures, and practices will be impact-assessed against equality principles.
14. Related Policies
Dignity at Work Policy
Safeguarding and Wellbeing Policy
Anti-Harassment and Bullying Policy
Inclusive Recruitment Policy
Accessibility and Reasonable Adjustments Policy
Whistleblowing Policy