Equality Objectives
Equality Objectives (2026–2030)
As a Trust, we are committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion across our whole community. In line with our responsibilities under the Public Sector Equality Duty, and informed by the Greater Manchester Equality Framework, we will:
1. Create an inclusive, safe and supportive workplace
We will continue to develop a culture where all employees feel valued, respected and able to thrive at work. We will promote equality, diversity and inclusion, support staff wellbeing and ensure employees have access to appropriate workplace adjustments and support where required.
To achieve this, the Trust will:
- Take proactive steps to prevent sexual harassment at work in line with its statutory duties, including undertaking regular risk assessments, seeking staff feedback through surveys, maintaining appropriate policies and procedures, providing training for staff and managers and ensuring effective and accessible reporting arrangements.
- Ensure all staff complete equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) training, with completion monitored and reported to the Trust Board.
- Continue to develop and embed a positive wellbeing culture through Trust-wide initiatives, including collaboration with Wellbeing Ambassadors at each school, annual staff wellbeing surveys and other opportunities for staff voice, wellbeing action plans, exit interviews, the Staff Wellbeing Portal, access to an Employee Assistance Programme, our network of Staff Mental Health First Aiders, and other initiatives designed to support staff wellbeing, inclusion and belonging.
- Monitor the implementation and impact of wellbeing and equality initiatives to identify and address barriers, reduce inequalities and promote continuous improvement.
- Report activity, progress and outcomes regularly to the Trust Board and relevant committees.
2. Ensure fair, inclusive and equitable employment practices
We will ensure that equality, diversity and inclusion are embedded throughout the employee lifecycle, from recruitment through to career development, wellbeing and retention.
To achieve this, the Trust will:
- Ensure recruitment, selection, promotion and employment practices in both internal and external recruitment are fair, transparent, objective and free from discrimination.
- Regularly review HR policies, procedures and employment practices to promote equality of opportunity, remove unnecessary barriers and ensure compliance with equality legislation and best practice.
- Ensure leaders and managers understand their responsibilities for promoting equality, diversity and inclusion and are equipped to implement Trust policies fairly and consistently.
- Promote a culture where all employees feel respected, supported and able to contribute and progress.
- Monitor recruitment, workforce and employment data to identify trends, address under-representation where appropriate in staff and applicants, and support a diverse workforce at all levels of the organisation.
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- Ensure all employees have equitable access to training, professional development and career progression opportunities.
- Report activity, progress and outcomes regularly to the Trust Board and relevant committees.
3. Improve outcomes and opportunities for all students
We will continue to remove barriers to learning so that every student can participate fully in school life and achieve their potential.
To achieve this, the Trust will:
• Monitor and promote the progress, attainment, attendance and wider participation of disadvantaged students and those with protected characteristics, including students with SEND, students eligible for the Pupil Premium Grant, looked after children and students from minority ethnic backgrounds.
• Ensure reasonable adjustments, appropriate support and teaching practices enable all students to access education and achieve their potential.
• Monitor participation in wider school opportunities, including enrichment activities, leadership roles and educational visits, to promote equality of opportunity for all students.
• Report activity, progress and outcomes regularly to the Trust Board and relevant committees.
4. Promote a culture of respect, inclusion and belonging
We will foster an inclusive Trust culture where diversity is valued, positive relationships flourish and everyone is treated with dignity and respect.
To achieve this, the Trust will:
• Promote positive relationships and confidently challenge all forms of discrimination, harassment, bullying, prejudice and hate-related behaviour.
• Continue to educate students, staff and governors about equality, diversity and inclusion through the curriculum, staff development and wider Trust initiatives.
• Celebrate diversity and encourage understanding, respect and belonging across our Trust communities.
For further information please see the Equality and Diversity & Inclusion Policy below.
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