Equality & Diversity Policy

Introduction

HypnoTC (HypnoTC Ltd, HypnoTC: The Hypnotherapy Training Company) is committed to eliminating discrimination and creating an environment where diversity is celebrated and everyone is treated fairly, regardless of age, disability, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity.

This policy is applicable to all staff, students and applicants. The principles of non-discrimination and equality of opportunity also apply to the way in which staff and students should treat each other, visitors, contractors, sub-contractors, service providers, suppliers, former staff and students and any other persons associated with the functions of HypnoTC. We will work to ensure that all tutors, students and visitors are treated fairly and not subjected to unlawful discrimination.

Aim

Our aim is to promote equal opportunity for all by:

• Complying with all related legal obligations
• Assessing the impact on equality within our company policies and procedures
• Promoting equality and diversity through internal and external communications
• Ensuring support is available to all students (and tutors) as far as reasonably possible
• Ensuring all students and prospective students are treated fairly and judged solely upon their pertinent merits, skills, abilities, aptitude and potential

Implementation

All HypnoTC staff and directors share responsibility for the successful application of this policy.
Administrative responsibilities lays with the Director.

HypnoTC is committed to finding resolution (where possible) to any student (or staff member) who believes that he/ she may have been the victim of discrimination, bullying, harassment or victimisation.

Responsibilities

The director of the company (Dr Kate Beaven-Marks) has ultimate accountability and responsibility for compliance with this policy.

Students (and staff) have a responsibility to:

• Understand and accept this policy, and to contact the director if there are any questions
• Challenge inappropriate behaviour/ discrimination
• Report unacceptable behaviour to the director

Staff (and director) have a responsibility to:

• Set a good example
• Correct unacceptable behaviour
• Ensure students (and staff) know how to report discrimination/ harassment
• Ensure that reporting does not result in victimisation
• Deal with complaints fairly and confidentially

Intent

To ensure the effectiveness of this policy, HypnoTC will:

• Provide training and guidance for Directors, appointees and employees, as appropriate, to ensure they are able to discharge their responsibilities in compliance with the law and HypnoTC’s policies
• Regularly review employment and enrolment procedures and practices with a view to promoting equality of opportunity and eliminating discrimination
• Identify possible areas requiring action.

Discriminatory actions committed by appointees or staff will be viewed seriously and will normally result in disciplinary action being taken, which may result in removal or dismissal.

Any complaints about discriminatory action by registrants will be dealt with in accordance with our complaints procedure.

Appointments

HypnoTC is committed to equal opportunities in our appointment of Company Directors, teaching assistants and support staff, together with equal opportunities for our students. We will make every effort to prevent discrimination against any of our current and potential Company Directors, teaching assistants, support staff and students on the grounds of the following protected characteristics:

• Age
• Disability
• Gender reassignment
• Marriage and civil partnership (employment only)
• Pregnancy and maternity
• Race
• Religion or belief
• Sex
• Sexual orientation

Monitoring

HpynoTC will monitor the implementation of the policy. This will involve the collection of relevant information and statistics on the composition of:

• the Board
• employees and job applicants
• students

Any such information collected will be used solely for monitoring purposes.

Arrangements will be made to protect the confidentiality of such information during its collection and retention.

Complaints

Any complaints of harassment, discrimination, victimisation or bullying will be taken very seriously by HypnoTC. Any staff member or student found guilty will be subject to disciplinary action, including removal/ dismissal. Students, staff or any other parties who make a complaint of discrimination will do so without the fear of victimisation.

Further information

This policy does not form part of an employment/ engagement contract.

This policy may be amended from time to time to take account of changes in legislation.

Original policy dated: 31 December 2015
Latest policy review date: 10 December 2025