Ember Learning Ltd (trading as Ember Tutors) is committed to equality of opportunity in everything we do. Every person — whether a student, tutor, commissioner, or member of staff — deserves to be treated with fairness, dignity, and respect, regardless of any protected characteristic.
1. Policy Statement
This Policy applies to all aspects of our organisation: recruitment and engagement of tutors, commissioning of services, delivery of sessions, and all internal management activities. Our students — young people receiving alternative provision, many of whom face significant disadvantage — are a group where equity of access and inclusive practice matter enormously.
2. Scope
This Policy covers all company directors, self-employed tutors and associates, students referred by commissioning Local Authorities or Multi-Academy Trusts, commissioning organisations and their representatives, and any person who interacts with Ember Tutors in a professional capacity.
3. Legal Framework
This Policy reflects the requirements of the Equality Act 2010, the Human Rights Act 1998, the Children and Families Act 2014, the Special Educational Needs and Disability Regulations 2014, and the Public Sector Equality Duty where applicable by contract.
4. Protected Characteristics
Ember Learning Ltd will not discriminate — directly or indirectly — against any person on the grounds of any protected characteristic as defined by the Equality Act 2010: age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.
5. Commitment to Students
No student will be refused referral, placed at a disadvantage, or treated less favourably on the basis of any protected characteristic. Where a student has a disability or special educational need, we will make reasonable adjustments to ensure equal access. Tutors are expected to adapt their approach to reflect the individual needs and backgrounds of each student.
Discriminatory language, conduct, or behaviour during sessions will not be tolerated and will be addressed in accordance with the Tutor Behaviour Policy and, where appropriate, referred to the commissioning authority.
6. Commitment to Tutors
All tutors and associates are recruited and engaged on the basis of skills, experience, and suitability. No person will be treated less favourably in the recruitment process on the basis of any protected characteristic. Any tutor who believes they have experienced or witnessed discrimination should raise the matter with the Company Director immediately.
7. Discrimination, Harassment, and Victimisation
Ember Learning Ltd will not tolerate direct discrimination, indirect discrimination, harassment related to a protected characteristic, or victimisation of anyone who raises a concern under this Policy. Any such conduct will be addressed promptly and may result in termination of agreement and referral to the DBS or other statutory body.
8. Inclusive Delivery
Session materials must be free from stereotyping or bias. Tutors receive training on inclusive practice and cultural sensitivity during onboarding. Where a student requires communication adjustments, Ember Tutors will work with the commissioning authority to put appropriate support in place.
9. Complaints and Review
Any person who believes they have been subjected to discrimination should raise the matter promptly through the Complaints Procedure (ET-CP-001). All complaints will be investigated fairly. No person will be disadvantaged for raising a concern in good faith. This Policy is reviewed annually by the Company Director.
The full policy document is available on request. Contact hello@embertutors.co.uk.