Equality and Diversity Policy

1. POLICY STATEMENT

DTMK Limited is committed to fairness, dignity, and respect for everyone who works with us, learns with us, or uses our services.

We do not tolerate discrimination, harassment, bullying, or victimisation in any form. We will take all reasonable steps to create inclusive workplaces, classrooms, vehicles, venues, and online spaces where people can thrive.

Our approach follows the Equality Act 2010 and good practice guidance across Great Britain. We uphold equal access to employment, training, and assessment, and ensure that reasonable adjustments are applied in line with our Access to Assessment Policy.

2. PURPOSE

This policy ensures that:

Everyone understands the behaviour expected at DTMK
Recruitment, selection, onboarding, and management are fair and transparent
Teaching, learning, assessment, and certification are inclusive and free from unlawful discrimination
Concerns are raised early and handled promptly, sensitively, and fairly

3. LEGAL FRAMEWORK & PROTECTED CHARACTERISTICS

We comply with the Equality Act 2010, which protects against discrimination, harassment, and victimisation based on:

Age
Disability
Gender reassignment
Marriage and civil partnership
Pregnancy and maternity
Race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin)
Religion or belief
Sex
Sexual orientation

These protections apply to both employment and service delivery, including education and training.

4. SCOPE

This policy covers all DTMK activities, including:

Employment and engagement of staff, franchisees, contractors, volunteers, and applicants
Marketing, enquiries, bookings, customer service, and complaints
Driving lessons, fleet training, first aid, and other regulated or non-regulated courses
Learning materials, online platforms, communications, and social media
Assessment, quality assurance, and liaison with Awarding Organisations
Use of third-party venues, vehicles, simulators, and equipment

5. DEFINITIONS

Discrimination: Less favourable treatment because of a protected characteristic, or practices that disadvantage without justification
Harassment: Unwanted conduct related to a protected characteristic that violates dignity or creates an intimidating or offensive environment
Victimisation: Detriment to a person because they raised or supported an equality concern
Reasonable Adjustments: Changes to remove or reduce disadvantage for disabled people
Special Consideration: Post-assessment adjustment for temporary illness, injury, or events outside the learner’s control

6. RESPONSIBILITIES

Board & Director: Approve policy, allocate resources, and oversee compliance
Managers & Course Leads: Implement the policy, support staff and learners, and address concerns
Staff, Franchisees & Contractors: Treat others with dignity and respect, complete training, follow procedures, and challenge inappropriate conduct
Learners & Clients: Behave respectfully and follow reasonable instructions that keep people safe and included

7. STANDARDS OF BEHAVIOUR

Courteous, professional conduct is expected at all times
Bullying, harassment, or inappropriate behaviour will be addressed under disciplinary or learner conduct procedures
Freedom of belief and expression is respected, provided it does not amount to harassment or discrimination

8. RECRUITMENT, SELECTION & EMPLOYMENT

Recruitment and selection criteria will focus only on skills, knowledge, qualifications, and role requirements
Reasonable adjustments will be made for candidates and employees
Pay, benefits, training, promotion, and dismissal decisions will be fair and transparent
Equality and diversity training will be provided with regular refreshers

9. INCLUSIVE SERVICE DELIVERY

Lessons and training designed to meet different learning needs and backgrounds
Information available in accessible formats where practicable
Cultural and religious needs considered (e.g. prayer times, dietary requirements, modesty needs) where safe and feasible
Venues and vehicles chosen with accessibility in mind

10. LEARNER SUPPORT & SAFEGUARDING

We promote a safe and inclusive learning environment in line with our Safeguarding Policy. Disclosures are handled sensitively and shared only on a need-to-know basis.

11. ASSESSMENT FAIRNESS

Assessments will not disadvantage any learner or group
Reasonable adjustments and special consideration will follow the Access to Assessment Policy
Requests will be handled fairly, with evidence and approvals managed appropriately

12. TEACHING & LEARNING PRACTICE

Trainers will use inclusive language and varied teaching methods
Practical activities will respect dignity, cultural needs, and safety

13. COMMUNICATION & INFORMATION

Information will be written in plain English
Language support provided where possible without compromising assessment integrity
Marketing will represent diversity authentically and respectfully

14. THIRD PARTIES, PARTNERS & VENUES

Suppliers, venues, and partners are expected to meet the same equality standards. Concerns will be addressed promptly if expectations are not met.

15. RAISING CONCERNS

Concerns should be reported promptly to a manager or course lead
Employees may use grievance procedures
Learners and clients may use complaints and appeals procedures
Assessment-related concerns may be escalated to the Awarding Organisation
No one will face victimisation for raising a concern in good faith

16. DATA PROTECTION & CONFIDENTIALITY

Equality information will be processed lawfully and stored securely
Optional anonymised data may be collected to monitor access and outcomes

17. POSITIVE ACTION

Where evidence shows under-representation or barriers, proportionate positive action may be taken to encourage participation or reduce disadvantage (not unlawful discrimination).

18. TRAINING, AWARENESS & AUDIT

All personnel complete induction equality and diversity training
Additional training for those involved in course design, assessment, or quality assurance
Feedback and outcome data regularly reviewed to identify improvements