St. Peter’s Catholic High School Equal Opportunity Policy (Incorporating recommended Equal Opportunity Policy for Liverpool Diocesan Roman Catholic schools and the school Race Equality Policy) 1.
Introduction The governors of the school, in accordance with the Church’s teaching and concern for justice and equity, base their employment practices and the provision of education on the concept of equality of opportunity. It is now considered desirable, for ease of reference and operation and in order to promote and facilitate equality of opportunity, to consolidate and develop existing practices and objectives into a single statement of equality of opportunity.
2.
General Statement of Employment Policy In the case of voluntary aided schools, the governors themselves are the employers of staff and are responsible for equal opportunity matters in employment. It is their policy that no job applicant or employee shall receive less favourable treatment because of his or her sex, marriage, colour, nationality or national or ethnic origin, nor can be disadvantaged by any other condition or requirement which cannot be shown to be justifiable. Such policy is in accordance with the legislative provision set out in paragraph 6 (and any amending legislation), but does not go beyond the requirements of such legislation. Likewise, it is the governors’ intention to comply with any legislative requirements relating to the number of any disabled persons to be employed.
3.
General Statement of Education Policy The governors have responsibility for the curriculum and general conduct of the school. Much of the curriculum will concern itself with the provision of opportunities in a wide range of areas of learning for the development of each individual’s potential, value and selfworth. It is the governors’ policy that pupils will be treated on their individual merits without regard to sex or race in accordance with Gospel values and within the legislative provision set out in paragraph 6. The governors shall, however, in matters pertaining to the curriculum and conduct of the school, be under no obligation to go beyond the strict legislative requirements, and, in particular, shall not be obliged to introduce into the curriculum or into the school any subject or practice which is contrary to the teachings and practices of the Roman Catholic Church.
4.
Application of the Policy This policy and the accompanying implementation guidelines (which form part of the Policy) apply to all staff, and reference to ‘person’ includes any individual or employee whether full or part-time or in temporary employment who acts on behalf of the school.
5.
Furtherance of the Policy In furtherance of this Policy, all employees will be informed of its existence and guidelines will be issued to employees and other persons responsible for implementing it as necessary. Selection procedures and personnel procedures will be kept under review and the results of the Policy monitored.