2 July 2014 at 05:40 PM There is much great practice to celebrate in the education sector on advancing equality and diversity; we have various equality objectives, action plans, projects and initiatives underway. But how do we really know what impact our actions are having on staff and students with protected characteristics? How do we know we are actually fostering good relations? New guidance might help
29 May 2014 at 08:47 AM Did you know that fresh guidance has been issued to help schools and colleges identify exploitation, abuse or neglect of young people? The guide covers all forms of safeguarding, including physical abuse, female genital mutilation, child sexual exploitation, radicalisation and cyberbullying. Are your managers aware that all staff are expected to read the simple 8 page summary section of the new guidelines?
EHRC/GEO, Gender, Harassment 29 May 2014 at 08:36 AM Do you know how to avoid all the different types of unlawful discrimination in these situations? Have you assessed the impact of your plans or decisions in terms of equality and diversity? Are you aware of guidance by the Equality and Human Rights Commission that might help you to understand your legal obligations as an employer?
Discrimination, Employment, Legal duties 29 May 2014 at 08:25 AM Do you have an achievement gap related to poverty? For example, lower success rates for white young men living in areas of social deprivation, or in low-income households? What are you doing to narrow the gap? New research published by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation might prove helpful.
29 May 2014 at 08:16 AM What happens if an employer and an employee do not agree that the employee is a disabled person? What if an employee claims that they are a disabled person because they experience stress-related illness and depression, which involves considerable time off from work? Can an employer claim that they did not know an employee is a disabled person if the employee did not say? Would your managers know the answers to these questions? Three recent disability discrimination cases help bring clarity to these issues.
