EQUALITY & INCLUSION POLICY

1. STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT
At RISE, we are committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion in every aspect of our work. We believe that every student, member of staff, partner school and stakeholder should be treated with dignity, fairness and respect.

As a provider of tailored interventions supporting students who face challenges in their educational journey, we recognise our responsibility to model inclusive practice and champion equal opportunity. Our aim is to create environments where barriers are reduced, potential is realised, and every individual feels valued and supported.

2. OUR PRINCIPLES
RISE is committed to:

  • Promoting equality of opportunity for all students and employees.

  • Eliminating unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation.

  • Advancing equality of opportunity between individuals from different backgrounds.

  • Fostering good relations across diverse communities.

  • Ensuring fair and equitable access to our interventions and support services.

We do not tolerate discrimination on the basis of protected characteristics including age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

3. EQUALITY IN PRACTICE
For Students:
Our interventions are designed to support students at Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 3 levels, particularly those at risk of exclusion. We work closely with schools to:

  • Provide inclusive, trauma-informed and needs-led support.

  • Reduce exclusions through early intervention and targeted strategies.

  • Ensure all students have access to fair and appropriate support.

  • Promote positive behaviour, engagement and improved educational outcomes.

We recognise that behavioural challenges may be linked to unmet needs, social disadvantage or additional learning requirements, and we approach every case with empathy, professionalism and fairness.

For Schools and Partners:
We collaborate with schools in ways that promote inclusive policies and practices, aligned with local authority strategies aimed at reducing exclusions and improving outcomes for vulnerable learners.

4. EMPLOYMENT & WORKFORCE COMMITMENT
We are committed to fair recruitment, transparent progression pathways and equitable access to development opportunities. Employment decisions are made based on merit, capability and organisational need.

We actively promote:

  • Fair recruitment and selection processes

  • Equal access to training and professional development

  • Flexible and supportive working practices where possible

  • A safe and respectful working environment

5. GENDER PAY GAP STATEMENT
We are committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion at every level of our organisation. Our leadership team reflects this commitment, with directors representing both female and BME backgrounds. We believe diverse leadership strengthens decision-making and helps ensure inclusive practices filter throughout our workforce. We actively support fair opportunities, equitable progression, and an inclusive workplace culture for all employees.

6. MONITORING & REVIEW
We regularly review our policies, practices and outcomes to ensure they remain fair, effective and aligned with current legislation and best practice. We are committed to continuous improvement in promoting equality and inclusion across our organisation.

7. RESPONSIBILITY
Equality and inclusion are the responsibility of everyone at RISE. All staff are expected to uphold this policy, model inclusive behaviours and contribute to an environment where diversity is respected and celebrated.

RESOLVE • INSPIRE • SUPPORT • EMPOWER •

RESOLVE • INSPIRE • SUPPORT • EMPOWER •