Public Sector Equality Duty
BackLaidlaw Schools Trust (LST) values and celebrates a diverse culture where everyone’s contribution is welcomed and valued.
LST accept that in society, certain groups or individuals are denied equality on the grounds of race or ethnicity, gender, marital status and civil partnership, caring responsibilities, disability, gender re-assignment (transgender), age, social class, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, religion, belief or faith.
LST welcomes and will meet statutory requirements under the Equality Act 2010 (See Appendix 1). We recognise that we have moral and social responsibilities that go beyond the provisions of statutory Acts and Regulations and that we should support and contribute to the wider process of change through all aspects of work and practices in order to eliminate discrimination and promote equality and diversity.
This policy sets to outline our commitment, responsibilities, objectives and how we will implement and review this policy
Consultation on Equality Objectives
The policy was first established in 2012 through consultation with a staff representative group. Since this date the Trust has entered into a Trade Union Recognition Agreement (2024), which is now used as the forum for employment policy consultation.
The Equality and Diversity Policy is subject to consultation with the recognised trade unions on behalf of their members as and when it is reviewed or updated. The policy requires a review every 3 years, this was completed in 2015, 2018 and 2021 with the next review planned for 2024 unless there are updates to legislation in advance of this that would require a review sooner.