This page describes Vetpol’s policy regarding equality and diversity: Vetpol is fully committed to providing an environment that is free from bullying, discrimination, harassment or victimisation, where all members of staff, learners and other external stakeholders are treated equally with respect and dignity. The company also aims to create a culture of diversity by providing a dynamic working and learning environment where everyone is valued for their contribution and individuality.
We are committed to providing equal opportunity for all staff, learners and other stakeholders irrespective of their age, disability, ethnicity (including race, colour or nationality), gender (including gender re-assignment, marital status, pregnancy or maternity), religion or belief, sexual orientation (including civil partnership status), educational background or trade union membership.
Disability for the purposes of this policy, according to the Equality Act 2010 (The Act), is defined as limitations going beyond the normal difference in ability which may exist among people. The impairments which give rise to the disability, must meet the statutory requirements as set out in the Act (section 6 and schedule 1) and must have a long-term, substantial adverse effect on a person’s day to day activities.
The objective of this policy is to ensure that all members of staff both current and prospective, learners both current and prospective and all other external stakeholders are selected, promoted or otherwise treated solely based on the relevant aptitudes, skills and abilities they possess. The policy also confirms our commitment to promoting and implementing opportunity in learning. We aim in all our learning programmes to offer an inclusive learning environment that enables a diverse student population.
In order to facilitate inclusion and wider access to both training and CPD, Vetpol Ltd’s materials and processes have been designed to accommodate online learning and examinations. Furthermore, in order to fulfil their legal obligations as professionals involved in the prescription and supply of veterinary pharmaceuticals registered in the United Kingdom, prospective learners and SQPs will have to have the ability to read, write and otherwise communicate in good English both face-to-face and online. As the Vetpol training materials are designed both for online studying and for examination on a computer, students and SQPs will need to be able to use a computer and access online information to function as a SQP.
As a consequence of the above, in addition to being able to communicate in good English, students and SQPs will also need the ability to read and use materials online. These are therefore an entry requirement for the course.
Scope
This policy is applicable to all members of staff both permanent, temporary and freelance, learners and all other external stakeholders of the company.
Policy Statements
In applying this policy, Vetpol will comply with its obligations and have due regard to its duties under the Equality Act 2010 and to the protected characteristics specified within it.
Vetpol is committed to equality and valuing the diversity of all members of staff, learners, job applicants, visitors and all other external stakeholders of the company. Vetpol will treat everyone fairly and equitably regardless of their race, colour, ethnic or national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religious or political beliefs, disability, marital status, pregnancy or maternity, family responsibility and socio-economic standing, membership of professional associations or trade unions, or any other category where discrimination cannot be reasonably justified as determined legislation.
The company will work to foster an inclusive culture which promotes equality, values diversity and maintains a working, learning and social environment in which the rights and dignity of all its staff, learners and other external stakeholders are respected.
Vetpol embraces diversity among its staff, learners and other stakeholders and seeks to achieve equity in the experience, progression and achievement of all learners and staff through the implementation of transparent policies, practices and procedures and the provision of effective support.
During the learner’s journey with Vetpol, all submitted assessments and examinations will be graded solely based on the applicable intended learning outcomes and any standards as set by the relevant Awarding Organisation.
Learners who require additional support or have special needs will be treated by exception based on the provisions and application of other Vetpol policies which cover their unique circumstances or disabilities, provided that such needs would not in any case preclude them from performing their function, e.g. as a registered SQP.
Vetpol expects all members of staff, permanent, temporary and freelance to treat each other and all external stakeholders which includes all learners, with respect, courtesy and consideration and does not tolerate any form of bullying or harassment.
Commitments
We perceive bullying, victimisation or harassment of any individual as contradictory to our commitment to having a supportive working environment and it will not be tolerated. Any allegations of such behaviour will be investigated, and if found to be true corrective action which may include disciplinary action will be taken.
To ensure that the principles of this policy are applied as effectively as possible throughout the company and business, Vetpol will:
- Ensure staff and learners know where to access information and support regarding equality and diversity.
- Ensure that enough resources are made available to support and implement equality and diversity policies, schemes, plans and procedures.
- Seek to embed equality in all its activities.
Roles and Responsibilities
The directors of Vetpol are committed to equal opportunity and the entire management Team of Vetpol has overall responsibility for ensuring that we operate within a framework of equal opportunity and diversity.
All members of staff and external stakeholders which includes learners, have rights and responsibilities in relation to the promotion of equality, and must ensure that their behaviour and actions do not discriminate unlawfully and they are not harassing or bullying others.