Diversity and inclusion
Last updated on: 02/03/2009
We want to be assured that all learners have equal and appropriate access to all assessments and qualifications that will enable them to demonstrate their skills, abilities and knowledge.
We are a public body, which is bound by all the equalities legislation to promote fairness, equality and equity. To achieve a fully inclusive education system our aim is to ensure that all groups are able to fully participate in assessments and examinations by proactively ensuring that as many obstacles as possible are removed, at the design stage of the criteria and maintaining that ethos by continually carrying out impact assessments.
An impact assessment is a system of checking our policies, practices and procedures for equal access and fairness. This process allows us to meet our goal of providing and monitoring an examination system that is fair and equal to all. The impact assessment process is explained in the glossary.
As well as monitoring and evaluating, we also ensure that all of our decisions and processes are fully consulted upon with all the 6 strand diversity groups. We established an Access Consultation Forum consisting of representatives from the Department for Children, Schools and Families, awarding bodies and various statutory and voluntary groups. During this process we ensure that all developments are shared early on, and where possible any obstacles can be identified and addressed and fair access is available for all. We regularly consult through the Disabled Peoples Advisory Panel and the Access Consultation Forum (ACF) and the minutes of the ACF can be found on this website.