Access & Equity Policy

Purpose 

Currumbin Palm Beach RSL & Services Memorial Club Inc (34 116 049 336) trading as Ignite Education (5897) is committed to providing a quality and discrimination free working environment for all students and staff.  Workplace/Training discrimination is any policy, procedure, rule, regulation, decision, or practice at work/training that leads to an individual, or group, not being treated equally in relation to the rest of the workforce/training group. 

The aim of the Access and Equity policy is to maximise access, participation and outcomes for all persons wishing to participate in programs and training conducted by the College. 

Principles 

This Access and Equity Policy is based on application of the principles of: 

∙ Equity through fair allocation of resources and involvement in training programs and education. 

∙ Equality of opportunity within Ignite Education’s education and training system 

∙ Access to appropriate, quality education and training programs and services. 

∙ Increased opportunity for people to participate in education and training and in relevant decision-making process within the education and training system. 

Objectives 

∙ To incorporate access and equity principles and practices in key processes that affects the outcomes for students and clients at Ignite Education. 

∙ To achieve equitable access to education and training products and services for all present and potential students and clients. 

∙ To encourage positive outcomes for students and clients of Ignite Education by developing processes that will enable them to participate successfully in education and training products and services. 

∙ To develop quality support services, which enhance clients and students’ chances to achieve positive out-comes. 

∙ To establish effective links with relevant agencies advocating for groups with low levels of participation in vocational education and training. 

Strategies 

∙ Staff induction and training relating to relevant legislation and the principles and application of Access and Equity. 

∙ The use of diagnostic tools to identify staff and student client needs. 

∙ Provision and application of appropriate support mechanisms and resources when required 

Human Rights and Inclusion

Ignite Education believes that the same basic human rights apply to all people. 

These rights include:

• Being given respect for their human worth and dignity 
• Having the opportunity to pursue physical, social, emotional, and intellectual development 
• Support in attaining full participation in society 
• Being informed about, and able to participate in, decision-making processes that affect their life
• Access to information and services in a way that maximises their individual’s rights and opportunities 
• The ability to follow up a grievance without fear of recrimination or disadvantage

Ignite Education  will ensure that its decisions and actions will uphold these human rights principles. 

Training and Assessment 

Ignite Education  always considers access and equity when developing and delivering training and assessment. VET courses and resources are planned, designed, developed and presented in accordance with our equity and access principles. Should a student be identified as being likely to face an educational disadvantage in a course or a unit of competency, Ignite Education  will ensure reasonable adjustments are made to enable the student to fully participate in the course or VET unit to the best of their ability (this will be documented as required by ASQA). During the validation process assessments are reviewed to check that the language and structure of the assessment can be readily understood by all students, and that the assessment process does not disadvantage any learners.

Right of Review 

Should a student be dissatisfied with any aspect of the training or assessment, they may request a review in accordance with our Complaints and Appeals Policy. Our decisions and assessments will be made and recorded in a manner that  would allow  an effective review, in accordance with our Complaints and Appeals Policy. 

Should they so wish, Ignite Education supports the individual’s right to have decisions or assessments affecting them reviewed by an independent party. 

Right of Complaint

Ignite Education accepts the right of an individual to make a formal complaint, should they so wish, about any decision, process, activity or outcome. All complaints will be promptly investigated, without prejudice and Ignite Education resolves to respond to the individual in a timely manner in accordance with our Complaints and Appeals Policy.

Legislation 

Ignite Education has developed this Access and Equity Policy, in line with the relevant legislation. This includes (but is not limited to): 

• Racial Discrimination Act 1975 
• Sex Discrimination Act 1984 
• Disability Discrimination and Other Human Rights Legislation Amendment Act 2009
• Equal Opportunity (Commonwealth Authorities) Act 1987 
• Racial Hatred Act 1995 
• Fair Work Act 2009 
• Age Discrimination Act 2004
• Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (QLD)
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (QLD)

Related documents 

Policies 

• Complaints and Appeals Policy 
• Access and Equity Policy 

Procedures 

• Complaints and Appeals Procedure 
• Enrolment & Induction 

Forms 

• Complaints & Appeals Form