Watney College is committed to promoting equality of opportunity, valuing diversity and fostering an inclusive environment in which all individuals are treated with dignity and respect.
The College does not tolerate discrimination, harassment or victimisation in any form. Equality, diversity and inclusion are embedded across academic provision, student experience, governance and operational practices.
This policy is aligned with the Equality Act 2010 and supports the College's regulatory obligations under the OfS framework, particularly in relation to academic quality, student outcomes and consumer protection.
The policy applies to all students, staff, visitors and external stakeholders across all College activities including admissions, teaching, assessment, student support and governance.
Age · Disability · Gender reassignment · Marriage and civil partnership · Pregnancy and maternity · Race (including nationality and ethnicity) · Religion or belief · Sex · Sexual orientation.
No individual shall be disadvantaged on the basis of any of these characteristics.
Aligned with: Equality Act 2010 · OfS regulatory framework · UK Quality Code for Higher Education · Awarding body requirements (NQual, ATHE, OTHM, Focus Awards, ESB).
Admissions processes are conducted fairly, transparently and consistently. Selection decisions are based on merit and suitability. Reasonable adjustments are made where necessary to ensure applicants are not disadvantaged.
Teaching practices are inclusive and learning materials accessible to all students. Assessment methods are fair and appropriate, with reasonable adjustments implemented in line with awarding organisation guidelines.
Academic guidance, additional learning support, safeguarding and wellbeing services are available to all students. External support services are signposted where necessary.
Concerns relating to discrimination, harassment or unfair treatment are addressed through the College's Complaints Policy. All reports are treated seriously, investigated promptly, fairly and confidentially.
Equality outcomes are monitored through analysis of student recruitment, retention and achievement data, alongside feedback from students and staff. Findings are reviewed by the Quality Assurance Committee and Academic Board, with escalation to the Board of Directors where appropriate.
All staff receive appropriate training in equality, diversity and inclusion as part of induction and ongoing professional development. Awareness of responsibilities under this policy is maintained across all levels of the organisation.
This policy is reviewed annually to ensure continued compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. Earlier review may take place in response to changes in legislation, regulatory expectations or institutional developments.
| Document | Relationship |
|---|---|
| Access and Participation Statement | Underpins widening participation commitments |
| Student Protection Plan | Aligns student welfare protections |
| Safeguarding and Prevent Policy | Supports safe and inclusive environment |
| Complaints Policy | Mechanism for raising discrimination concerns |
| Admissions Policy | Ensures fair, non-discriminatory admissions practice |
| Equality Act 2010 | Primary legislative framework |
Last reviewed: November 2025 · Version: 1.0 · Next review: November 2026
Download the full Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy (PDF)
