Version 5 Equality and Diversity requirements
Version 5 of the Lexcel standard increases the requirement on
firms to tangibly improve their equality and diversity practices
and competencies.Version 5 becomes mandatory on 1st July and
assessors will look for clear evidence that a firm's equality and
diversity policies and procedures are being effectively implemented
and communicated to all staff.
These policies and procedures must be current and must cover, as
a minimum, recruitment and selection, training and promotion,
discipline, grievance and complaints. Firms will also be required
to demonstrate that they are undertaking effective internal
monitoring around the six main protected characteristics detailed
in the Equality Act 2010.
As well as the new version 5 requirements, the statutory Codes
of Practice that accompany the Equality Act make it clear that
employers will be liable for any acts of discrimination, harassment
or victimisation committed by their employees unless they can
demonstrate that they have taken "reasonable steps" to prevent
those acts being committed in the first place. One such reasonable
step is to: "train all staff".
As an approved ILM centre we deliver the ILM VRQ Level 4 Award
in Managing Equality and Diversity in an Organisation. On
completion of the course, delegates will be required to complete a
work-based assignment, over an 8 - 10 week period. This will result
in the development of a strategy and action plan for ongoing
management of equality and diversity within their firm. On
completion of the assignment they will be presented with the ILM
VRQ Level 4 Award enabling them to become their firm's appointed
'Equality Champion' and ensure that their firm meets all of its
obligations under the legislation and Lexcel v5.
For more details on the course please see http://www.aneltd.co.uk/training-events/ilml4-medo/
or call John Raine on 0191 6487.