Disability Discrimination Policy

1. Purpose of This Policy

Accelerate Performance is committed to creating an inclusive learning environment where every delegate, trainer, colleague and visitor is treated fairly and with respect. We are dedicated to eliminating discrimination, removing barriers, and ensuring that individuals with disabilities can access and engage fully with our training, facilities and services.

This policy sets out:

•      Our commitment to preventing disability discrimination and promoting equal access.

•      Responsibilities across the organisation to ensure compliance with the Equality Act 2010.

•      The practical steps we take to provide reasonable adjustments and an inclusive learning experience.

This policy supports our goal of providing training that enables every learner to achieve their potential.

2. Policy Statement

Accelerate Performance recognises its legal and ethical obligations to prevent disability discrimination and to make reasonable adjustments for disabled individuals. We aim to:

•      Provide a learning and working environment that is accessible, inclusive and supportive.

•      Remove or reduce barriers that may disadvantage disabled learners, trainers or colleagues.

•      Ensure that no one experiences discrimination, harassment or victimisation on the grounds of disability.

•      Foster a culture where needs are discussed openly and adjustments are implemented promptly.

•      Continually improve our approach to accessibility through feedback, review and good practice.

These commitments apply to all employees, contractors, trainers, learners, visitors and third-party partners acting on our behalf.

3. Responsibilities

Leadership Team

The Leadership Team holds overall accountability for ensuring this policy is implemented effectively. This includes:

•      Establishing and maintaining systems that support accessibility and non-discrimination.

•      Ensuring risk assessments and accessibility reviews are carried out where needed.

•      Providing resources and guidance to support reasonable adjustments.

•      Reviewing the policy annually and communicating updates.

Managers and Programme Leads

Managers are responsible for:

•      Supporting colleagues and learners who disclose a disability.

•      Actioning reasonable adjustments in a timely manner.

•      Ensuring trainers are briefed on any relevant requirements for learners.

•      Monitoring learning environments and workspaces for accessibility issues.

Trainers and Facilitators

All trainers acting for Accelerate Performance must:

•      Deliver training in a way that is inclusive and accessible.

•      Adapt materials or delivery styles where reasonable adjustments are required.

•      Ensure learning environments remain safe, accessible and respectful.

•      Raise any concerns about barriers to learning immediately with the programme lead.

All Employees, Learners and Contractors

Everyone working with or participating in Accelerate Performance programmes is expected to:

•      Treat others with respect and uphold our non-discrimination principles.

•      Participate in creating an inclusive and supportive environment.

•      Report any concerns about accessibility, discrimination or barriers.

4. Accessibility and Reasonable Adjustments

Accelerate Performance is committed to taking reasonable steps to support disabled learners, trainers and employees. Adjustments may include:

•      Adapting training materials (such as large print, digital formats, colour-adjusted text).

•      Adjusting teaching methods or pace.

•      Providing assistive technology or alternative equipment.

•      Modifying venues to ensure physical access where possible.

•      Allowing additional time for assessment or practice activities.

•      Providing alternative communication methods, such as captioned content or transcripts.

We work collaboratively with individuals to understand their needs and agree appropriate adjustments.

5. Training Delivery and Learning Environment

To ensure an inclusive experience:

•      All delegates are invited to share access requirements before training begins.

•      Trainers highlight accessibility arrangements during programme introductions.

•      Learning environments are checked for physical and sensory accessibility.

•      Emergency procedures, including fire exits and assembly points, are shared clearly with all participants.

•      Hazardous substances (COSHH), equipment and manual handling procedures are managed safely to avoid unnecessary barriers or risks.

6. Consultation and Communication

We promote a culture of open dialogue around accessibility:

•      Staff receive guidance on disability awareness and inclusive practice.

•      Learners are encouraged to discuss access needs confidentially with the programme team.

•      Feedback mechanisms allow learners to raise concerns or suggest improvements.

•      This policy is published on our website and available on request.

•      Any updates are communicated promptly to staff and trainers.

7. Monitoring and Continuous Improvement

We monitor the effectiveness of this policy by:

•      Reviewing accessibility feedback from learners and staff.

•      Conducting periodic assessments of training venues and platforms.

•      Setting annual objectives to improve access and remove barriers.

•      Reviewing this policy at least once a year or sooner if legislation changes.

Our aim is continual improvement and the ongoing enhancement of accessibility across all programmes.

8. Relevant Legislation

This policy aligns with the following UK legislation and regulations:

•      The Equality Act 2010

•      Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974

•      Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999

•      Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013

•      Safety Representatives and Safety Committees Regulations 1977

•      First Aid Regulations 1981

•      Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002

•      Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992

•      Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992

•      Fire Safety Order 2005