Equality & Diversity Policy

Quality Awards and Vocational Accreditation (QAVA) is fully committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of its awarding, accreditation, quality assurance, and operational activities. We believe that fair access to education and assessment is a fundamental right and that diversity enriches learning, innovation, and professional practice.

Our Commitment

QAVA is dedicated to ensuring that:

  • All learners, centres, staff, associates, and stakeholders are treated with dignity, fairness, and respect.
  • No individual is disadvantaged or excluded on the basis of protected characteristics.
  • Equality of opportunity is embedded in our policies, procedures, and decision-making processes.

Scope of the Policy

This policy applies to:

  • Learners registered on QAVA-regulated or accredited qualifications
  • Approved centres and their staff
  • Assessors, internal quality assurers, external quality assurers, and reviewers
  • Employees, contractors, and associates of QAVA
  • Applicants seeking centre or qualification approval

Protected Characteristics

In line with the Equality Act 2010, QAVA does not discriminate on the grounds of:

  • Age
  • Disability
  • Gender reassignment
  • Marriage and civil partnership
  • Pregnancy and maternity
  • Race (including ethnicity, nationality, and colour)
  • Religion or belief
  • Sex
  • Sexual orientation

Fair Access and Inclusion

QAVA ensures:

  • Fair and transparent access to qualifications and assessments
  • Reasonable adjustments for learners with disabilities or specific learning needs, where appropriate and supported by evidence
  • Assessment practices that are valid, reliable, and free from bias
  • Flexible and inclusive approaches that reflect diverse learner needs without compromising academic standards

Centre Responsibilities

Approved centres are required to:

  • Implement and maintain their own Equality & Diversity policies aligned with QAVA’s principles
  • Ensure fair recruitment, teaching, assessment, and support practices
  • Promote inclusive learning environments
  • Address discrimination, harassment, or victimisation promptly and effectively

Failure to comply with equality and diversity requirements may result in sanctions, suspension, or withdrawal of centre approval.

Monitoring and Review

QAVA regularly monitors its policies and practices to ensure ongoing compliance with equality legislation and best practice. This policy is reviewed periodically and updated where necessary to reflect legislative or regulatory changes.

Reporting Concerns

Any individual who believes they have been subject to discrimination, unfair treatment, or exclusion in relation to QAVA qualifications or activities is encouraged to raise a concern or complaint. All reports will be handled confidentially, fairly, and without fear of retaliation.

Legal Compliance

This policy aligns with:

  • Equality Act 2010 (UK)
  • UK education and awarding body regulatory standards
  • Best practice guidelines followed by recognised UK awarding organisations

Contact Us

For further information regarding this policy or to report an equality-related concern, please contact:

Quality Awards and Vocational Accreditation (QAVA)

📞 +44 020 4615 2574
📧 info@qava.org.uk
🌐 https://qava.org.uk
📍 150 Ashburton Avenue, Ilford, London, United Kingdom, IG3 9EL