Category: Policies

Here at NA College, we aim to support the stalling social mobility agenda in the UK by providing a range of funded qualifications designed to equip learners with the skills, knowledge and experience to enable them to become economically active by transitioning into sustainable employment outcomes.

NA College have an outstanding track record of working with employers and we are well placed to understand the needs of employers and the requirements of individuals seeking employment or aspiring to further their current careers.

We deploy our allocation of government funding to ensure that social mobility and the challenges that social mobility presents are at the heart of our curriculum design, range of qualifications and delivery methodologies.

NA College will offer a range of short courses that offer training or progression routes to the low and mid-skilled workforce.

Evidence shows that people from the lowest social grades are less likely to engage in training, around half of these individuals have not taken part in any form of learning or training since leaving school.it is our mission at NA College to challenge this by creating opportunities for all.

We must break through this barrier and offer a flexible, modern and sector-based curriculum that meets the needs of both the student and the employer.

Our Learning Support Team are available to discuss individual requirements for those who have additional needs as well as provide advice, including information about DSA (The Disabled Student’s Allowance). Alternatively, further information DSAs (and a downloadable copy of Bridging the Gap) is available via www.direct.gov.uk/dsas.

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Health, Safety & Wellbeing

Our Health, Safety & Wellbeing Officer can offer confidential specialist support to all students experiencing mental health/emotional/social problems which are affecting their wellbeing and ability to progress. For additional information, please contact Ian Bell on tel 0191 466 1188 or email Ian.Bell@nacollege.ac.uk.

You can learn more about our Safety & Wellbeing Policy here.

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Disability Support

Our Disability Statement will help you to make an informed decision about choosing to study here. You will be assessed on your academic ability for the course you wish to study.

We can offer:

• Personalised and bespoke support, in and out of class to meet your additional support needs
• Individualised and tailor made student support, in and out of class
• Assistance through the use of a range of specialist equipment
• Advice and assistance with access, resources and materials
• Liaison with parents and carers, schools and external support agencies
• Support with personal care
• Support at meal and break times.

Please contact Alison Brough, Learning Support Officer, on tel 0191 466 1188 or email Alison.Brough@nacollege.ac.uk

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Specific Learning Difficulties
Specialist staff can provide advice and support if you have a specific learning difficulty (SpLD), have expressed concern about a SpLD or have been identified by teaching staff as possibly having an SpLD. For additional information on the support we can provide, please call our Learner Support Officer on tel 0191 466 1188 or email Alison.Brough@nacollege.ac.uk

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Urgent Support

If you think you might need urgent support, please follow our Safeguarding procedure found here or contact our Safeguarding Lead, Maureen Askew, on tel 07919 525014 or email maureen.askew@nacollege.ac.uk

1. Policy Statement  

NA College is committed to providing equal opportunities in employment and study and opposes all forms of unlawful discrimination in employment and against students on the grounds of the following ‘protected characteristics’ as defined in the Equality Act 2010: age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.  

NA College is committed to:

• providing equality of opportunity and opposing unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation and other conduct prohibited by the Equality Act 2010;
• advance equality of opportunity of people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not;
• foster good relations between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not.

1.1 Striving to ensure that the work and study environment is free of harassment and bullying and that everyone is treated with dignity and respect is an important aspect of ensuring equal opportunities. NA College has a separate Anti-Bullying and Harassment Policy, which deals with these issues.  

1.2 The Equality Opportunities policy will be enacted through all projects delivered by NA College without exception and will be supported by associated implementation plans.

It considers:

• Assessing the impact of policies and practices and reporting.
• Developing and Implementing Best Practice.
• Inclusive Practice for Students and Staff
• Promotion of Equality and Diversity, including relevant diversity events, & training
• Data and Information Provision, including appropriate monitoring and compliance reporting.
• Progress against actions and objectives will be reported in the Equality and Diversity Annual Reviews and Data Reports.

NA College and any sub-contractors will meet all statutory obligations under relevant legislation and, where appropriate, anticipate future legal requirements. NA College will promote this policy through a variety of medians including induction for new employees, programme inductions, team meetings, staff CPD days and will be accessible on the shared network available to all staff.  

NA College are committed to ensuring that any procured sub-contractor provision will undertake a robust due-diligence process which will include demonstrating a commitment to the promoting equality in line with legal requirements and NA College’s expectations and policies.

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2. Scope of Policy  

2.1 The Equal Opportunities policy applies to students of NA College. Employees of NA College should refer to the NA College-Equal Opportunities.

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3. Equality

The Company recognises its legal obligations under the Equality Act 2010.
Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy

3.1 Definition of Protected Characteristics:

• Age. The act protects people of all ages but remains the only protected characteristic that allows employers to justify direct discrimination, i.e. if an employer can demonstrate that to apply different treatment because of someone’s age constitutes a proportionate means of meeting a legitimate aim, then no discrimination will have taken place.
• Disability. The act includes a new protection arising from disability and now states that it is unfair to treat a disabled person unfavourably because of something connected with a disability. An example provided is the tendency to make spelling mistakes arising from dyslexia. Also, indirect discrimination now covers disabled people, which means that a job applicant could claim that a particular rule or requirement disadvantages people with that disability.
• Gender Reassignment. It is discriminatory to treat people who propose to start to or have completed a process to change their gender less favourably, for example, because they are absent from work or training for this reason.
• Pregnancy and Maternity. The act continues to protect women against discrimination because they are pregnant or have given birth.
• Race. The act continues to protect people against discrimination on the grounds of their race, which includes colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin.
• Religion or belief. The act continues to protect people against discrimination on the grounds of their religion or their belief, including a lack of any belief.
• Gender. The act continues to protect both men and women against discrimination on the grounds of their sex.
• Sexual orientation. The act continues to protect bisexual gay, heterosexual and lesbian people from discrimination on the grounds of their sexual orientation.
• Marriage and civil partnership. The act continues to protect employees who are married or in a civil partnership. Single people are however not protected by the legislation against discrimination.

All alleged incidents of discrimination, harassment and/or victimisation will be dealt with according to the company policy and procedures.

3.2 Every possible step will be taken to ensure that individuals are treated appropriately and fairly and that objective criteria are used in:

• Student admissions, choice of programme of study, assessment decisions, grievance and disciplinary procedures.

3.3 Students are expected to respect the Equal Opportunities policy and practices in their dealings with members of the NA College community and to behave in a way which reflects and appreciates the diversity of our community. Students should not discriminate against or harass any other member(s) of NA College and/or a member of the public.

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4. Customers, Suppliers and Other People Not Employed by NA College  

4.1 NA College will not discriminate unlawfully against students, visitors, contractors and any other identified third party using or seeking to use the facilities and services provided by the NA College.  

4.2 Students should report any bullying or harassment by a member of staff, fellow student or other identified party to a member of staff in whom they feel they can confide, a member of the Safeguarding team or NA College Senior Team who will take appropriate action.  


5. Training  

5.1 NA College will provide training in equal opportunities to all managers and others likely to be involved in recruitment or other decision-making where equal opportunities issues are likely to arise.  

5.2 NA College will provide training to all existing and new employees and students, and others engaged to work and/or study at NA College to help them understand their rights and responsibilities under the Anti-Bullying and Harassment Policy and what they can do to help create a training environment free of bullying and harassment.  

5.3 NA College will provide additional training to relevant personnel on a regular basis to enable them to deal more effectively with complaints of bullying and harassment.  

5.4 NA College will provide training to all students engaged in programmes.

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6. Individual Responsibilities  

6.1 Every employee and student are required to assist NA College to meet its commitment to provide equal opportunities in employment and study, and avoid unlawful discrimination  

6.2 Breaches of NA College’s Equal Opportunities Policy including acts of discrimination, harassment, bullying or victimisation against employees, students or customers will be regarded as misconduct and subject to NA College’s disciplinary procedures for staff and  

Students respectively, depending on the status of the alleged perpetrator. Discrimination harassment, bullying or victimisation may constitute gross misconduct and could lead to dismissal from employment or exclusion from study without notice

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7. Grievances  

7.1 If you consider that you may have been unlawfully discriminated against, you may use the complaints procedure (for students) to make a complaint. If your complaint involves bullying or harassment, the investigation will be conducted in line with the NA College’s Anti-Bullying and Harassment Policy.  

7.2 NA College will take any complaint seriously and will seek to resolve any complaint that it upholds. The complainant will not be penalised for raising a complaint, even if the complaint is not upheld, unless the complaint is both untrue and made in bad faith.

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8. Access to the Policy  

8.1 This policy is available to all students via the central drive, on induction and throughout the programme of learning.  

8.2 The policy will be made available in alternative formats on request to HR.

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9. Advice and Guidance on the Policy  

9.1 The Management Team and delivery staff is responsible for ensuring students are provided with advice and guidance on the application of this policy.  

9.2 Contractors, work placement providers and other external service providers engaged to do work for or on behalf of NA College will be required to adhere to the NA College’s Equal Opportunities Policy, if they do not have a similar policy within their own organisation.

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10. Monitoring and Review  

10.1 NA College will monitor this policy annually, or more frequently if required, to judge its effectiveness and it will be updated in accordance with changes in the law. In particular, NA College will monitor the ethnic and gender composition of the existing, student population and the number of people with disabilities within these groups.  

The Equal Opportunities Policy will be reviewed in accordance with the results shown by the monitoring. If changes are required, NA College will implement them.  

10.2 Information provided by student applicants for monitoring purposes will be used only for these purposes and will be dealt with in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998.

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11. Other Relevant Policies/Acts/Support Agencies  

11.1 This policy should be read in conjunction with the following:

• Recruitment Policy
• Disciplinary Policy & Procedures
• Anti-Bullying & Harassment Policy
• Grievance Policy & Procedure
• Behaviour Code of Conduct
• Safeguarding & Protecting Vulnerable Adults Policy
• E-Safety Policy
• Prevent

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11.2 Acts

• The Equality Act (2010) and associated secondary legislation.  Criminal Justice and Immigration Act (2008).
• The Racial and Religious Hatred Act (2006).
• The Civil Partnership Act (2004).
• The Gender Recognition Act (2004).
• Criminal Justice Act (2003).
• The Human Rights Act (1998).
• Special Education Needs & Disability Act (2001)
• The Protection from Harassment Act (1997).

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11.3 Support Agencies

• LBGT – Stonewall.Org

Our Learning Support Team also manage our Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) output, so you get a fluent experience across all parts of your learning journey with us. They can give you information on all of our courses, how to enrol and what services and facilities are available to you as a learner or apprentice.

Our Student Services Officer delivers a professional and friendly IAG Service across all of our courses. Our service is completely free and accessible to everybody. We can offer you advice within a confidential setting if required.

Get in touch with Alison Brough on 0191 466 1188 or email for more information.

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We can help you with:

• ‍Course applications – We can guide you through the process and we can even help you complete your application form‍

• Enrolling onto a course – We can explain the enrolment process and help you complete the appropriate forms. We will discuss payment methods and fee remission criteria relevant to your age and financial circumstances. We can also give advice on other financial support that may be available to you, depending on your circumstances‍

• Course Information – We can provide you with course information and discuss various options available to you. If you need detailed course content information we can signpost you to a course specialist for advice‍

• Referrals to other services – We can book appointments with our Careers Guidance Service on your behalf, or put you in contact with our Student Welfare & Personal Support Advisors or our Learner Support Team. We can also book appointments with Connexions staff if you are 16-18 years old.

Chief Operating Officer

Lisa Snaith

Responsible for NAC finances.

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Head of Strategy

Margherita Pasquariello

Responsible for the strategic management of the college.

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Head of Quality & Curriculum

Maureen Askew

Responsible for the management of curriculum & quality for NA College provision.

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HR Manager & Safeguarding Lead

Lindsey Vickerson

Responsible for all HR and support services within NA College.

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Head of Engineering

Terry Taylor

Manages engineering apprenticeships and curriculum.

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Curriculum Manager

Adele Tipping

Manages apprenticeships, AEB and vocational skills programmes.

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Facilities Manager

Steven Ward

Oversees the running of facilities on a day to day basis.

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The internet is a great way to connect with friends and learn new things. It’s also important to stay safe and make sure you don’t share things that could put you or others in danger. People can pretend to be your age and unfortunately there have been cases where adults have pretended to be teenagers and lured young people into meeting them in dangerous situations. Some of these cases have ended up in court in the UK.

Danger signs

• If the person tries to insist on having your address or phone number
• If the person emails you pictures which make you feel uncomfortable and which you would not want to show to anyone else
• If the person wants to keep their chats with you secret
• If the person tells you that you will get into trouble if you tell an adult what has been going on
• If the person wants you to email them pictures of yourself or use a webcam in a way which makes you feel uncomfortable
• If the person shares information with you and tells you not to tell anyone else about it
• If the person wants to meet you and tells you not to let anyone know
• If you find any of these danger signs it’s important that you tell your parents or another adult.

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The S.M.A.R.T. rules to staying safe on the Internet

S – SAFE
Keep safe by being careful not to give out personal information – such as your name, email, phone number, home address or school name – to people who you don’t know online.  Use a nickname that doesn’t reveal your name, or even the area you live.

M – MEETING
Meeting someone you have only been in touch with online can be dangerous.  Only do so with your parents’/carers’ permission and when they can be present. Remember online friends are still strangers even if you have been talking to them for a long time.

A – ACCEPTING
Accepting emails, instant messages or opening files, pictures or texts from people you don’t know or trust can lead to problems – they may contain viruses or nasty messages.

R – RELIABLE
Someone online may be lying about who they are, and information on the internet may not be true. Always check information with other websites, book or some who knows.

T – TELL
Tell your parent, carer or a trusted adult if someone or something makes you feel uncomfortable or worried or if you are or someone you know is being bullied online.

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If you are worried about something, do not bottle it up.  Call ChildLine free on 0800 1111. Calls are confidential and won’t appear on your home phone bill. You can also use a mobile. Calls from 3 (Three), BT Mobile, EE, O2, Orange, T Mobile, Virgin or Vodafone mobiles won’t show up on the phone bill either.

Help and advice at NA College is available with our Student Services Team. Telephone 0191 466 1188 or email info@nacollege.ac.uk and a member of the team will forward your request as soon as possible.