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Fair Treatment and Anti-Discrimination Policy

Reviewed Jun 2020, Dec 2020, Jun 2021, Dec 2021, Jun 2022, Jul 2023, Dec 2023

Fair Treatment and Anti-Discrimination Policy Statement

ACCM College supports the concept of equal opportunity and is committed to providing all staff, students and potential students with a working and learning environment which values diversity, respects differences and provides an environment that is safe, healthy, positive, supportive and free from all forms of harassment, bullying and discrimination.

The College thorough the application of its Fair Treatment and Anti-Discrimination Policy will:

  • Treat all students and prospective students fairly
  • Meet its legal and moral obligations with respect to anti-discrimination legislation
  • Develop an organisational culture that recognises and respects diversity and differences
  • Actively identify strategies that can assist individuals who have incurred past social, economic or educational disadvantage to successfully complete vocational education qualifications
  • Not discriminate in terms of race, sexual preference, disability, gender, age, ethnicity, or any other basis that is not directly related to the performance of the person involved 
  • Implement effective and sensitive procedures which allow complaints of unfair treatment, discrimination, harassment and/or bullying to be raised and resolved.

Fair Treatment Policy and Procedure Details

  • College Actions To Ensure Fair Treatment of Students

    1. The treatment of students and potential students (including student admission and assessment processes) will be fair and free from discrimination, intimidation, harassment and bullying.

    2. Access and equity issues are considered when setting course entry requirements and prerequisites to ensure that past social, economic or educational disadvantage do not create current barriers. In accordance with the College Language, Literacy and Numeracy Policy, entry literacy requirements will not be set as a minimum schooling level, with achieved school levels published as an indicator only, and alternative forms of assessing literacy suitability offered.

    3. Course Fees may be paid in instalments and for potential students under current financial pressure, payment plans will be negotiated. Availability of government financial assistance or funded courses will be publicised through the College website.

    4. Course design and assessment tools are developed and validated as standardised products to ensure fairness across all students, regardless of College Assessor. However these will be contextualised as needed to suit specific needs and reasonable adjustments in accordance with the Training and Assessment Policy will be made where flexibility is required to accommodate specific needs. 

    5. Teaching and learning documents are non-discriminatory and avoid non-inclusive language and examples. They will recognise that Australia is a multi-cultural society, which allows us the opportunity to learn from the life experiences and perspectives from people from many backgrounds.

    6. The College will ensure that when students apply to enrol they are made aware of the Student Participation and Communication Policy and are aware of expected behaviours, particular if these may detrimentally affect other students.

  • Reporting Concerns About Treatment

    a) Staff and students are encouraged to report any concerns about bullying, intimidation, harassment, offensive behaviour, racial vilification, discrimination or unfair treatment so that a full investigation can be implemented.

    b) The investigation will be sensitive to the needs of the complainant and follow the principles of natural justice and be in accordance with the College Complaints Policy and Procedures.

  • Ensuring Fair Treatment of College Staff

    a) Staff recruitment and promotion decisions are based on merit, are free from discrimination and focused on selecting the best quality staff to support College students and processes. An open and fair work environment, where the diversity and differences of each staff member is valued, is encouraged.

    b) The College will provide reasonable work related alterations to enable all staff or potential staff to fully participate in all aspects of employment. These alterations may include:

    • Job redesign
    • Physical modifications to the workplace or the purchase of specific equipment
    • Flexible work arrangements including job sharing and part time work

     

     

  • Disciplinary Outcomes

    Staff or students whose behaviour is in contravention to this Policy will be subject to formal disciplinary procedures to the extent of the breach. This may include:

    • Formal warning
    • Suspension from employment or studies
    • Expulsion from studies or dismissal from employment.
  • Student Requests for Special Assistance

    Clients, students or potential students who have specific needs to enable them to successfully enrol or complete their studies should contact their Training Services Manager at the College to discuss them.

    These may include:

    • Additional time to complete studies
    • More contact with College Student Advisers
    • Fee instalment plan
    • Consideration of alternative entry requirements
    • Assessment of required language, literacy or numeracy skills to enrol
    • Modification of learner resources or assessment tools with reasonable adjustments

     

    No reasonable requests will be refused.