Equality of opportunity is a tenet of our provision and is embedded in our policies. There should be no artificial barriers to Edexcel BTEC and NVQ programmes and awards, which must:
- be available to everyone who can achieve the required standard
- be free from barriers which restrict access to progression
- be free from overt or covert discriminatory practices with regard to age, colour, creed, ethnic origin, gender, nationality, marital status, race or sexual orientation
- pay due regard to the particular requirements of individuals, including those who may require support to undertake learning and assessment
- be free from any restrictions that are not legally required.
Every approved centre must have an equal opportunities policy and a strategy for monitoring and reviewing, to encompass:
- access to assessment and learning
- prevention of discrimination
- provision for learners with particular requirements
- a mechanism for dealing with learner appeals.
It is essential that centres recruit with integrity and fully explore with applicants any issues which may prevent them from achieving areas of their proposed qualification. Centres should assess each applicant’s potential and make a judgement about their ability to achieve the qualification or individual units successfully.
For BTEC qualifications, centres should refer to the full BTEC Guidelines and Unit Specifications for the particular BTEC title when giving advice to prospective learners.
For NVQs, centres should refer to the appropriate Occupational Standards, the Evidence Requirements and, where available, the Assessment Strategy for the particular NVQ title when giving advice to potential learners.
As part of this process, centres should advise candidates if there is a more appropriate qualification, or if they would only be likely to achieve unit certification rather than the full qualification.
For further information on equal opportunities and the Disability Discrimination Act, visit the Equality and Human Rights Commission website.