Equality and Diversity Policy

The NCHP is committed to achieving an environment which provides equality of opportunity and freedom from discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, nationality, ethnic origin, gender, marital status, disability, religious or political beliefs, age or sexual orientation. The equal opportunities policy aims to prevent unfair and discriminatory practices within the NCHP and to encourage full contribution from its staff and students.

The ideal of equality of opportunity is built into the ethos of the NCHP. Our stated core principles must be:

     Honesty
     Openness
     Integrity
     Inclusion
     Valuing of difference
     Equal opportunity
     Freedom of choice
     Empowerment of the individual

This means that the NCHP is committed to actively opposing all forms of discrimination faced by Black and minority ethnic groups, women, lesbians, gay men, members of religious groups, younger and older people, and people with disabilities. Opposition to many forms of discrimination is informed by legislation. However, the NCHP also seeks to assist and offer opportunities to groups and individuals who experience disadvantage and discrimination on grounds which are not currently covered by the law. In this way, the NCHP acknowledges its role in furthering widespread equality of opportunity and breaking down social exclusion.

The NCHPhas agreed this Code and ensures that it is adopted in all processes of the NCHP, and by all staff who are jointly responsible for helping to ensure that individuals do not suffer discrimination and that equality of opportunity is promoted. If, however, discrimination does occur individuals are encouraged to report it to the Board and will be supported in doing so. The NCHP celebrates and values diversity but also recognises that various forms of discrimination exist which equal opportunities initiatives help to overcome. The NCHP also recognises that equal opportunities initiatives positively affect both educational and employment experiences. An environment that is free from discrimination encourages effective performance and creativity, whereas discrimination can instead cause underachievement.

By encouraging effectiveness, equality of opportunity is strongly linked with high quality performance which is essential for individual success and the success of the NCHP itself.

Definitions

Equality of opportunity is understood to entail fair, equal and respectful treatment for all individuals. On the other hand, the NCHP understands discrimination to be unequal or differential treatment which leads to one person being treated more or less favourably than others are, or would be, treated in the same or similar circumstances on the grounds of race, colour, nationality, ethnic origin, gender, marital status, disability, religious or political beliefs, age, sexual orientation or offending background. Discrimination may be direct or indirect. Direct discrimination is deliberate. Discrimination is indirect when an unnecessary requirement, condition or practice is imposed, preferred or desired, intentionally or otherwise, which excludes a disproportionately high number of people from a particular group. The NCHP will not tolerate any form of discrimination, such as that which may be faced by Black and minority ethnic groups, women, lesbians, gay men, members of religious groups, older people and people with disabilities.

Complaints procedure

Complaints about discrimination are taken very seriously and could provide grounds for disciplinary action that may lead to dismissal or expulsion from courses offered by the NCHP.

Complaints about discrimination should be made to the Board. A member of staff will be assigned to investigate, and they will be willing to discuss any incidents or problems, no matter how serious or trivial they may seem, in confidence.

Monitoring

Complaints about discrimination will be monitored on an annual basis. The monitoring will be reported to the Board and statistical information about complaints of discrimination within the NCHP will be produced. Names of individuals concerned with incidents will not be published.