1. Policy statement
Khalsa Panth Academy is committed to treating all people fairly, with dignity and respect. Our faith teaches equality, seva, compassion, and respect for all humanity. We aim to reflect these values in all parts of our work.
We are committed to providing an environment where students, parents, staff, volunteers, visitors, and members of the community are welcomed and treated fairly. We do not tolerate unlawful discrimination, harassment, bullying, victimisation, or unfair treatment.
This policy supports our commitment to comply with the Equality Act 2010, which protects people from unlawful discrimination in employment and in the delivery of services. The Act protects the following characteristics: age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.
2. Who this policy applies to
This policy applies to:
- staff
- volunteers
- teachers and tutors
- job applicants
- students and parents
- contractors and visitors
- anyone involved in the activities of Khalsa Panth Academy
3. Our commitment
Khalsa Panth Academy will:
- promote equality of opportunity
- treat everyone with fairness and respect
- provide services in an inclusive and welcoming way
- make reasonable adjustments and take practical steps to reduce barriers to participation
- not unlawfully discriminate because of a protected characteristic
- take concerns and complaints seriously
- deal with any complaint in a fair, respectful, and timely way
4. Protected characteristics
We will not unlawfully discriminate against anyone because of:
- age
- disability
- gender reassignment
- marriage and civil partnership
- pregnancy and maternity
- race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin
- religion or belief
- sex
- sexual orientation
5. What this means in practice
We aim to make sure that:
- recruitment of staff and volunteers is based on suitability, skills, experience, and conduct
- students are admitted and supported fairly
- fees and access arrangements are applied fairly
- no one is treated less favourably because of a protected characteristic
- people are able to raise concerns without fear of unfair treatment
- decisions are made fairly and consistently
6. Inclusion and faith values
As a Sikh faith-based organisation, Khalsa Panth Academy is guided by the values of equality, humility, service, respect, and community welfare. We welcome people from all backgrounds who wish to engage with our educational, cultural, musical, and community activities. We will not unlawfully discriminate in providing services, opportunities, or access to activities.
We expect everyone attending or working with the academy to respect the faith-based nature of the organisation, its values, and its code of conduct. At the same time, all individuals must be treated with dignity and fairness.
7. Reasonable adjustments and accessibility
Khalsa Panth Academy recognises that disabled people may face barriers to access or participation. We will make reasonable adjustments where required and reasonably practicable, and will take practical steps to support access to our services, communication, teaching arrangements, and activities.
We will try to think ahead about possible access needs and remove barriers where we reasonably can. The duty on service providers to make reasonable adjustments is anticipatory.
8. Harassment, bullying, and victimisation
Khalsa Panth Academy does not tolerate:
- bullying
- harassment
- abusive, insulting, or degrading behaviour
- victimisation of anyone who raises a concern or supports a complaint
- discriminatory language or conduct
Any such behaviour may result in action being taken, including removal from activities, ending a volunteer role, disciplinary action, or other appropriate steps. The Equality Act also protects people from harassment and victimisation linked to protected characteristics.
9. Recruitment and volunteering
When recruiting staff or volunteers, we will aim to:
- advertise roles fairly
- select on merit and suitability for the role
- avoid unlawful discrimination
- treat applicants respectfully throughout the process
Any faith-related requirement for a role will only be applied where this is lawful, necessary for the role, and proportionate. Where an occupational requirement genuinely applies because of the nature or context of the work, this will be considered carefully and lawfully.
10. Training and awareness
We will aim to make sure that staff and volunteers understand:
- the importance of equality and inclusion
- expected standards of behaviour
- how to raise a concern
- how to support a fair and respectful environment
11. Reporting concerns
Anyone who feels they have been treated unfairly or has witnessed unfair treatment should raise the matter with the academy management as soon as possible.
Concerns will be:
- listened to properly
- handled sensitively
- reviewed fairly
- responded to as quickly as reasonably possible
No one should be treated badly for raising a genuine concern.
12. Responsibility
Overall responsibility for this policy sits with the management of Khalsa Panth Academy.
All staff, volunteers, teachers, and those acting on behalf of the academy are expected to:
- follow this policy
- treat others with respect
- avoid discriminatory behaviour
- raise concerns where needed
- support a safe and inclusive environment
13. Monitoring and review
This policy will be reviewed regularly and updated when needed to reflect changes in the law, guidance, or the needs of the academy.
Policy review date: 03/01/2026
Next review date: 03/01/2027
