Top Edge Training Policies
Inclusion is key and diversity should be welcomed, and these are common themes in the policy. This approach is reflected in our approach to training, when the importance for all learners to access the same learning opportunity is prioritised.
Scope & Objective
Top Edge Training aims to provide examples of good management and fair practice in the provision of its training, services, promotion, recruitment and development of individuals.
Top Edge Training aims to ensure that individuals are treated fairly at all times, that peoples’ diversity is viewed positively and, in recognising that everyone is different, the unique contribution which individual experience, knowledge and skills can make is valued equally.
The scope of equal opportunities extends to all areas of Top Edge Training’s operations and in particular to the following:
a) Training Course Delivery
b) Advice and Support Service Delivery
c) Application of Policies and Procedures
d) Customer Service
e) Recruitment and selection
f) Terms and conditions of employment
g) Training and development
h) Working environment
The scope also extends to ensuring against discriminatory attitudes amongst all employees and discriminatory practices (direct or indirect).
Policy Details
1. The aim of this policy is to ensure that no person working or seeking employment with Top Edge Training, attending its training courses or using its services is disadvantaged by any conditions or requirements which cannot be shown to be necessary or receives less favourable treatment than others on the grounds of the following:
Age, disability, gender, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation.
2. Top Edge Training commits itself to promote and develop equal opportunities and will keep its policies, procedures and practices under review to ensure that they accord with the principles and spirit of equal opportunities and are consistently applied.
3. Top Edge Training recognises that discrimination is unacceptable and therefore seeks to create a positive environment in which all learners are encouraged to fulfil their potential on the grounds of performance and ability, with equal access to opportunities to all.
4. Top Edge Training is committed to building a team of tutors and other staff and associates who are valued and whose diversity reflects the learners and customers they serve, enabling them to deliver the best possible service to those people.
5. Top Edge Training is committed to providing services that, as far as is reasonably practical, are accessible, sensitive and appropriate for the needs of all customers.
6. It is the aim of Top Edge Training to ensure that there is no unlawful discrimination, whether direct, indirect or by way of victimisation, against its customers, existing or new employees.
7. This policy and procedure applies, and must be adhered to, by all employees of Top Edge Training, irrespective of their position or the status and type of their employment.
It is the aim of Top Edge Training to actively encourage learner feedback, listen to that feedback and act upon it accordingly. All tutors will make available to learners, on request, a copy of the Complaints Procedure.
Scope of Complaints Procedure: The following procedure relates to complaints or issues raised concerning the general delivery of the training. For appeals against assessment or exam decisions, please refer to the Learner Appeals Procedure Stage 1, available on request.
Opportunities for Learner Comments and Complaints
Learners must be encouraged by trainers to make verbal and written comments, both positive and negative, about the training service provided. These comments may be made in a variety of ways:
Verbal Comment to the Tutor
Learners can pass on any comment to the tutor during a course
Depending on the seriousness of the comment the tutor may consider it necessary to pass on the comment to the Director of Top Edge Training. The Tutor may consider it necessary to ask the learner if they would like the comment referred or whether the learner would like to contact the Director.
Written Comment through Course Evaluation Form
Course Evaluation Forms may be issued to learners at the end of the last day of every course, and are available during the course on request.
All Course Evaluation Forms are reviewed by the Director. Depending on the seriousness or sensitivity of any particular comment, the Director may wish to contact the learner to discuss any issue raised.
Written Comment by Letter or Email
Generally speaking a comment or complaint made by letter of email will be more serious than those made verbally or on an Evaluation Form. All such written correspondence must be brought to the attention of the Director as necessary.
All written correspondence must be responded to, either in writing or verbally, within a maximum of 5 working days, and as soon as practicably possible in all cases.
In all cases any written request by the learner to meet with or speak to the Director must be agreed to as soon as practicably possible.
Options for Learners in the Event of an Unsatisfactory Outcome
Most comments and complaints will be resolved by the tutor or the Director.
If a learner is not satisfied with the outcome or the process being undertaken by the tutor or Director, the matter can be referred to the relevant Awarding Organisation if the course is Ofqual approved.
If the learner is representing an organisation who are sub-contracting their training to Top Edge Training, the matter can be referred to the relevant representative of that organisation.
Please note that if the course is not Ofqual approved through an Awarding Organisation, the Director of Top Edge Training is the most senior representative of the organisation, and therefore the complaint cannot be taken any further internally.
Contact Details
In all cases, contact should be made in the first instance by either phoning Top Edge Training on 07519 800899 or emailing info@topedgetraining.co.uk. The address for all contact is: Top Edge Training, 5, Paradise Drive, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN20 7SX.
Top Edge Training’s Statement of General Policy is:
To prevent, so far as is reasonably practicable, any accidents, cases of work-related ill health and risks arising from work activities through the implementation of adequate Control Measures.
To provide clear Information, Training and Instruction to ensure Top Edge Training Employees and Associates are competent to carry out their work.
To provide suitable systems of Supervision to ensure that work activities are adequately monitored.
To proactively consult with Top Edge Training Employees and Associates on health and safety issues that may arise, and act promptly when necessary.
To conduct suitable and sufficient written Risk Assessments, and to proactively encourage Employees and Associates to conduct Dynamic Risk Assessments when visiting remote venues.
To maintain a system of Operating Documents, detailing the Control Measures identified in the Risk Assessments.
To maintain and act on a Safety Action Plan, detailing tasks to be carried out and relevant timescales.
To implement emergency procedures – evacuation in case of fire or other significant incident.
To ensure Employees and Associates comply fully with facility/building owners/managers when working at remote venues.
To maintain safe and healthy working conditions, provide and maintain plant, equipment and machinery, and ensure safe storage/use of substances.
The Duties of Top Edge Training Employees and Associates are to:
Take reasonable care of their own health and safety, and that of others who may be affected by their acts of omissions at work.
Co-operate with others within Top Edge Training to fulfil our statutory duties, by, for example, complying with all safety related policies and procedures.
Not interfere with, misuse or wilfully damage anything provided in the interest of health and safety.
Responsible Persons
Overall and final responsibility for Health and Safety is held by: Graham Freeborn, Owner and Director of Top Edge Training
Day-to-day responsibility for ensuring this policy is put into practice is held by: Graham Freeborn, Owner and Director of Top Edge Training, supported by Top Edge Training Employees and Associates when working at remote venues.