Diversity and Inclusion

In accordance with Australian EEO and Discrimination Legislation and the Standards for RTOs, Loadwise Australia is committed to a learning and working environment that supports the diversity of students and staff and is free from discrimination and harassment. We ensure that employment conditions, course entry requirements, assessments and learning content do not limit access based on age, race, religion, socio-economic status, gender, colour, gender identity, physical or mental disability, marital status, family or carer responsibilities, pregnancy, political opinion, nationality, sexual orientation or social origin.

We also understand the need to create a culturally safe and inclusive working and learning environment for First Nations people. And by cultural safety, we mean actively creating a safe environment where people are respected and feel comfortable being themselves without challenge or denial of identity and experience.

All staff, trainers and assessors, third parties and contractors will be made aware of their responsibilities with regard to creating a welcoming and safe learning environment for all students.

Staff Code of Conduct.

All Loadwise staff members (including contractors) must treat colleagues, learners, contractors and members of the public with respect and dignity. Discrimination, harassment, vilification or hate conduct will not be tolerated under any circumstances. If discrimination, harassment or vilification are found to have occurred, disciplinary action will be taken against any staff member who breaches this Code. Suspected criminal behaviour will be reported to police authorities immediately.

Procedures

We ensure that we respect the principles of inclusion and diversity across all our services by implementing the procedures listed below.

• On commencement or induction, staff, trainers and assessors, third parties and contractors will be informed of their responsibility to:
  • follow the standards of behaviour outlined in this policy
  • offer support to people who experience discrimination, bullying or harassment, including providing information about how to make a complaint
  • avoid gossip and respect the confidentiality of complaint resolution procedures
  • treat everyone with dignity, courtesy and respect.
• The Loadwise Learner handbook details both a Learner & Staff code of conduct & expected behaviour whilst undertaking training.
• We monitor inclusion practices as part of our staff performance reviews and will provide relevant professional development opportunities as required to make sure all staff have the relevant knowledge and skills regarding:
  • avoiding discrimination or harassment in any aspect of their work
  • adhering to the organisation’s complaints and appeals procedure
• We will embrace cultural diversity by:
  • providing professional development in cross-cultural awareness.
  • encouraging the sharing of cross-cultural experiences.
• Course entry requirements are included in Pre-enrolment Information.
• Any specific individual needs are identified through the enrolment process and special arrangements made wherever practicable.
• Training and Assessment Strategies are developed to meet the identified needs of student groups and individuals.
• Reasonable adjustments are made to training and assessment where required and as practicable.
• The professional development needs of staff are monitored to ensure knowledge and skills concerning inclusion are relevant and current.
• Any complaints relating to inclusion, discrimination or harassment issues are immediately dealt with in the manner outlined in the Complaints and Appeals Policy.
• Staff and students who raise an issue or make a complaint are not victimised.
• Students are made aware of any additional support services that may facilitate their satisfactory completion of the training and assessment.
• Any issues or questions regarding access and equity can be directed to Loadwise Australia’s CEO.
• Learners should expect fair and friendly behaviour from Loadwise staff. Loadwise applies complaint-handling procedures consistent with Australian Human Rights & Equal Opportunity Commission (HREOC) guidance.

We will also embrace cultural identity in our learning environment by:

• Encouraging trainers, assessors, and students to share their cultures and experiences.
• Setting up mentoring arrangements that match students from different backgrounds.
• Respecting cultural and religious events in our course planning and timetabling when planning for delivery to First Nations people or other cultural groups.