Diversity and Equal Opportunity Policy

Policy Statement

We are an equal opportunity company and are fully committed to a policy of treating all of our customers  equally. We will take all reasonable steps to ensure that opportunities are available to all students on the basis of their experience, abilities and qualifications without regard to age (except when restrictions are enforced by the nature of courses booked or by partners), disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.

This code has been drawn up to ensure that we comply with all legal requirements.

Protected Characteristics

Equal Opportunities for all will be communicated and adhered to by all of our employees, at every level.

As far as is reasonably possible the Code of Practice will be communicated to all service providers and partners used and they will be made aware that we have a commitment to equal opportunities.

We do not tolerate bullying, harassment or discrimination. This policy shall be respected and all directors and employees shall accept that it is their personal duty to ensure that the policy is communicated fully and effectively at all times.
Students will not be discriminated against due to protected characteristics as outlined in the Equality Act 2010 these are:

• Age
• Disability
• Gender reassignment
• Marriage and civil partnership
• Pregnancy and maternity/paternity
• Race
• Religion or belief
• Sex
• Sexual orientation

Direct Discrimination

Someone who is treated less favourably compared to another person because of a protected characteristic.

Associative Discrimination

Direct discrimination against an individual because of an association they have with another person whom possesses a protected characteristic.

Discrimination by Perception

Direct discrimination against an individual because others may believe that they possess a certain protected characteristic.

Indirect Discrimination

When a rule or policy applies to everyone but disadvantages a particular protected characteristic.

Harassment

Behaviour which a person finds offensive even if this is not directed at them.

Harassment by a Third Party

Employers can potentially be liable for harassment of their employees by people they do not employ.

Victimisation

Victimisation broadly refers to bad treatment directed towards someone who has made or is believed to have made or supported a complaint under the Equality Act.
It includes situations where a complaint hasn’t yet been made but someone is victimised because it’s suspected they might make one.We will not accept instructions from Clients, Workers or Employees that indicate an intention to discriminate unlawfully.

In Practice

Training & Information

This policy is issued to employees as part of the Employee Handbook. Induction training and the employee handbook ensures employees are aware and knowledgeable of our policy.

Line Managers will be responsible for ensuring they actively promote equal opportunity within the departments for which they are responsible.
Adjustments

In cases where adjustments are necessary in order for a student to take part in a package that we offer, we will make every reasonable effort to do so. If these adjustments incur additional cost then these costs will be made clear at the point of booking or as soon as possible.

Complaints of Discrimination

If a student has a complaint believing they are being discriminated against, directly or indirectly, they are encouraged contact us in the first instance, as soon as possible so as to give us opportunity to address the matter and rectify the situation if this is possible. Students area also encouraged to raise a complaint with us in writing where possible: admin@bluestamptravel.com. All complaints will be treated sensitively and the person making the complaint will be advised of the best course of action. Breaches of the Diversity & Equal Opportunities Policy will be noted and kept on file.