At Osborne Co-operative Academy Trust, we believe that everyone should be treated fairly and with respect. Our Trust is built on co-operative values like equality, honesty, and caring for others. These values shape how we work, how we treat each other, and how we hire and support our staff.
This policy explains how we make sure our workplaces are welcoming, inclusive, and free from unfair treatment. It also shows how we follow the Equality Act 2010, which is a law that protects people from being discriminated against.
What Is the Aim of This Policy?
The main goal is to make sure that everyone—whether applying for a job, already working with us, or volunteering—is treated fairly. This means:
- No discrimination in hiring, pay, promotion, training or dismissal.
- No unfair treatment based on age, race, disability, gender identity, religion, sex, or any other protected characteristic.
- Creating a positive, respectful work culture.
We also want to remove unconscious bias (when people treat others unfairly without realising it), and make sure all decisions are based only on a person’s ability and merit.
What Are Protected Characteristics?
The Equality Act protects people against unfair treatment based on:
Age, Disability, Gender reassignment, Marriage or civil partnership, Pregnancy or maternity, Race, Religion or belief, Sex, Sexual orientation
We also have a legal duty to:
- Stop discrimination from happening
- Make sure everyone has equal chances
- Encourage respect and good relationships between people
What We’re Committed To
The Trust is serious about building a fair and inclusive workplace. That means:
- Making sure everyone is treated with respect
- Hiring and promoting based on skills, not background
- Giving equal chances to everyone
- Offering help and adjustments for those who need it
- Standing against bullying, harassment or any unfair behaviour
- Taking action when someone breaks these values
If necessary, we’ll take positive steps to encourage more people from underrepresented groups to apply for jobs. For some roles, there may be specific reasons (called Genuine Occupational Requirements) where a person with a particular background or gender is needed—for example, a female carer for a female student.
What Staff and Volunteers Should Do
Everyone working with us must:
- Treat others with fairness and respect
- Report any form of unfair treatment or discrimination
- Follow our training and rules on equality
- Work together to build a safe and supportive place
No one should be treated unfairly because of who they are—whether it’s a student, parent, job applicant or a visitor.
What Happens if Someone Breaks This Policy?
If a staff member acts in a way that goes against this policy, it may lead to serious consequences—including disciplinary action or even dismissal. In some cases, it could even be considered a criminal offence.
Making a Complaint
If you think you’ve been treated unfairly, we encourage you to speak up. You can:
- Talk to your manager
- Use the Trust’s grievance procedure
- Ask for help if you have a disability or language barrier
Support such as counselling or extra management help may be provided.
Applicants or visitors who feel they were treated unfairly can raise their concern through the Trust’s complaint system, which is available on the Trust website.
How We Monitor and Improve
We regularly check how well we’re doing. This includes looking at:
- How we hire and promote staff
- Pay gaps between men and women
- Any patterns in complaints or issues
- Whether our policies are working fairly
We also make sure any private information used in this process stays safe and anonymous.
Osborne Co-operative Academy Trust is proud to create a workplace where fairness, respect, and inclusion are part of everyday life. Whether you are applying for a job or working with us, we want you to feel safe, valued, and heard. We believe that diverse teams make us stronger, and we will continue to challenge unfairness wherever we find it.
