Equal Opportunity and Diversity Policy - INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS SCHOOL

Equal Opportunity and Diversity Policy
Version Number		IBS/EODP/2026Apr/V001
Member of Staff Responsible		Jonathan Liu
Record of Revisions to Policy
Date	Details	Approved by
Apr 2026	Published	Board of Directors
Apr 2026	Reviewed	Board of Directors
July 2023	Reviewed	Board of Directors

Date of Current Policy		April 2026
Next Review Date		April 2027
Review to be approved by		Board of Directors

Related IBS Policies

Equal Opportunity and Diversity Policy
Reasonable Adjustments Policy
Data Protection Policy

External Reference Points

UK Quality Code for Higher Education (QAA, 2024)
Office for Students (OfS) Regulatory Framework
Equality Act 2010
Data Protection Act 2018

1. Policy Statement

International Business School (IBS) is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and supportive learning and working environment in which equality of opportunity is promoted and unlawful discrimination is eliminated. IBS values diversity and recognises the positive contribution that individuals from different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives make to academic life, institutional culture and student success.

IBS operates a zero‑tolerance approach to discrimination, harassment, bullying or victimisation. No individual will be treated less favourably on the basis of protected characteristics as defined by the Equality Act 2010, including age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

2. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to:

Ensure compliance with UK equality legislation and regulatory expectations
Promote fair, transparent and inclusive practices across all IBS activities
Provide a clear framework for equal opportunities in education, employment and service delivery
Support the creation of an inclusive academic and professional community
Set out responsibilities for promoting equality, diversity and inclusion at IBS

3. Scope

This policy applies to:

All students registered on IBS programmes
All staff, associates, visiting lecturers and volunteers
Applicants, applicants for employment and external stakeholders
All academic, administrative, support and governance activities

This policy operates alongside other IBS policies, including Admissions, Assessment, Student Complaints, Academic Misconduct, Staff Code of Conduct and Harassment and Bullying procedures.

4. Definitions

Equality: Ensuring individuals have equal access to opportunities and are not disadvantaged by unlawful discrimination.
Diversity: Recognising, valuing and respecting individual differences.
Inclusion: Creating an environment in which everyone feels welcomed, supported and able to participate fully.
Equity: Taking proportionate steps to remove barriers and ensure fair outcomes where structural disadvantage exists.

5. Legal and Regulatory Framework

This policy is informed by and aligned with:

Equality Act 2010
Human Rights Act 1998
Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR
Office for Students (OfS) regulatory framework
Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) UK Quality Code

6. Responsibilities

6.1 Institutional Responsibilities

IBS will:

Embed equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) principles in strategic planning and governance
Monitor data relating to student access, progression, attainment and outcomes
Review policies and practices to ensure fairness and accessibility
Provide appropriate training and guidance to staff

6.2 Staff Responsibilities

All staff are expected to:

Treat students and colleagues with dignity, fairness and respect
Actively promote inclusive learning and working practices
Challenge discriminatory behaviour and report concerns appropriately
Comply with this policy and relevant procedures

6.3 Student Responsibilities

Students are expected to:

Respect the rights, dignity and diversity of others
Engage constructively in an inclusive learning environment
Refrain from discriminatory, harassing or abusive behaviour
Raise concerns through appropriate institutional channels

7. Inclusive Education and Reasonable Adjustments

IBS is committed to reducing barriers to participation and achievement. Reasonable adjustments will be made for students and staff with disabilities, specific learning differences, health conditions or caring responsibilities, where appropriate and proportionate.

Support arrangements are agreed through established support and academic procedures and reviewed regularly.

8. Recruitment, Admission and Assessment

IBS ensures that:

Admissions decisions are made fairly, transparently and on academic merit
Recruitment and selection processes are objective and inclusive
Assessment practices are equitable, valid and free from bias
No applicant or student is disadvantaged by irrelevant personal characteristics

9. Harassment, Bullying and Victimisation

Harassment, bullying or victimisation on any grounds will not be tolerated. Concerns may be raised through student or staff complaints, grievance or disciplinary procedures. IBS will respond promptly, fairly and sensitively to all reported incidents.

10. Monitoring and Review

IBS will monitor the effectiveness of this policy through:

Analysis of equality‑related data
Student feedback and representation
Complaints and appeals monitoring
Regular policy review

The policy will be reviewed annually to ensure continued effectiveness, compliance and alignment with best practice.

11. Data Protection and Confidentiality

All personal data collected under this policy will be processed lawfully, fairly and confidentially in accordance with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.

12. Alternative Formats

This policy is available in alternative formats upon request. Requests should be directed to the Academic Standards and Quality Office.