Values and Policies and Procedures.

At Runway Training, we pride ourselves on our high level of professionalism and commitment to our learners. We are dedicated to providing specialist support to all our learners and to:

• Provide a high quality service that meets learners’ and employers’ needs
• Provide effective advice and guidance to both learners and employers
• Provide the most flexible solutions that match the needs of the employer
• Provide qualifications that enhance the learners’ skills and benefit the employer
• To ensure that we can achieve these aims, we have a range of policies and procedures to guide our work and help learners. Some of our main policies are outlined below.

All of our policies are available on request.

Equality and Diversity

Runway Training are committed to a policy of equality, opportunity and diversity in all areas of the organisation.

Our values are centred on the promotion of equality, diversity and inclusivity in all that we do. We ensure that all staff and learners work in an environment free from unfair treatment.

Runway Training encourage everyone to participate in learning about our values and social and cultural diversity. We recognise and value the contributions from all individuals and see diversity as a strength that adds value and richness to our learning community,

Runway operate an Equal Opportunities Policy to ensure that no learner receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. We also accommodate employees in full or part-time employment, self-employed workers, volunteers and unemployed individuals.

Supporting success of all learners, Runway Training will not tolerate unwanted and unacceptable behaviour in others. Runway Training is against direct or indirect discrimination, harassment, victimisation and bullying.

There will not be any discrimination when learners are selected for courses. If anyone has a particular need necessary to help them learn and carry out their work, they are given the chance to say what it is at interview. When we are aware of these needs, we can plan to meet them.

Environmental Policy

As part of Runway Training’s commitment to reducing our carbon footprint:

• Where possible, learners are allocated tutors within a 15 mile radius of their home or work address.
• Runway Training seek to reduce the use of individual vehicles as part of a strategy to reduce carbon emissions. We offer measures to encourage staff to use more sustainable modes of travel.
• Runway Training arrange learner workshops in central locations to reduce unnecessary travel in an aim to reduce carbon emissions.
• 97% of Runway Training learners use e-learning platforms, online resources and submit work online for the majority of their qualification, reducing excess printing and paper resources.
• Runway Training teachers mark learner portfolios and work online, saving numerous tutor visits and postage.
• Runway Training adhere to a ‘No Print Policy’ where paperwork is not printed out unless absolutely necessary.

Disability Policy

Runway Training are committed to promoting access to learning for people with disabilities. Runway intend to support and ensure that learners with physical disabilities, specific learning difficulties and medical conditions that impact day-today activities are given the opportunity to take part in all aspects of the qualifications offered by us.

With this in mind Runway Training will, as far as is possible, do the following:

• Ensure that learning or physical disabilities do not prevent or disadvantage potential learners making an application to embark on a programme of learning
• Provide a confidential environment where any particular needs or concerns can be openly discussed
• Ensure that any information disclosed within this environment will not be disclosed without expressed consent from the concerned party
• Enable learners to achieve their learning goals through help and support tailored to specific requirements where possible.

Complaints Procedure

Occasionally things may not go as you wish. Runway aims to provide the very best service to learners and potential learners and has developed a straight-forward complaints procedure to ensure that complaints are dealt with as efficiently and effectively as possible.

Our complaints procedure demonstrates the way in which complaints should be reported, and how learners and potential learners can expect complaints to be handled.

Please click here to view our Complaints Policy

Appeals Procedure

Runway has developed a straight-forward appeals procedure to ensure that any appeals are dealt with as efficiently and effectively as possible.

Our appeals procedure demonstrates the way in which appeals should be reported, and how learners can expect appeals to be handled. Runway Training will ensure that no learner is subject to unfair discrimination on any grounds in relation to the access and the fairness of an assessment.

If an occasion should arise where a learner is not satisfied with their Assessor’s or tutor’s decisions, they are encouraged to apply the appeals procedure.

Please click here to view our Appeals Policy

Data Protection

Runway Training needs to keep certain information about its employees, students and other users to allow us to monitor recruitment, attendance, performance, achievements and health and safety. It is also necessary to process information so that staff can be recruited, courses organised and legal obligations to funding bodies and government complied with.

To comply with the law, information must be collected and used fairly, stored safely and not disclosed to any other person unlawfully. To do this, the Runway Training must comply with the Data Protection Principles, which are set out in the GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018 and stated in our policy. This ensures that we are able to comply with:

• Runway Training’s function of providing education and goods and services in connection with education, and
• Runway Training’s statutory, contractual and common law duties, including health & safety and equality & diversity.

All data will be acquired and processed in a fair and lawful manner for a specified and lawful purpose. Data will be kept no longer than necessary for purpose, and be kept safe from unauthorised access, accidental loss or destruction.

e-Safety

Runway Training recognises that the development, expansion and use of ICT has transformed learning and that learners will need to develop high level ICT skills, not only to maximise their potential use as a learning tool, but also to prepare themselves as lifelong learners and for future employment. However, this increased use brings increased risks which Runway Training must, through their e-safety policy, ensure that they meet their statutory obligations to ensure that learners are safe and are protected from potential harm.

Runway Training e-safety policy should help to ensure safe and appropriate use through outlining roles and responsibilities of those involved:

The Director is responsible for ensuring the safety (including e-safety) of all members of the Runway Training and that the ICT infrastructure is secure and is not open to misuse or malicious attack and that users can only access Runway Training’s network through a properly enforced password protection policy, in which passwords are maintained

All staff are responsible for ensuring that they have an up-to-date awareness of e-safety matters and Runway Training’s e-safety policy and practices, reporting any suspected misuse or problem to the Director for investigation/action and or sanction. They must also be aware of e-safety issues related to the use of mobile phones, cameras, and hand held devices and where internet use is pre-planned learners should be guided to sites checked as suitable for their use and that processes are in place for dealing with any unsuitable material that is found in internet searches.

Runway training also recognises that learners may need help to recognise and avoid e-safety risks and build resilience. Therefore e-safety education will form part of the learner journey.

Safeguarding

Safeguarding in the broadest sense is our commitment to place the learner at the centre of our concerns and to build around the learner policies, procedures and practices that actively protect the learner from harm and ultimately aim to significantly reduce or eliminate the potential of harm to the learner’s overall well-being.

Safeguarding looks at all types of harm or potential harm including but not limited to:

• Sexual abuse or inappropriate relationships
• Grooming
• Physical/emotional abuse and neglect
• Domestic violence
• Inappropriate parenting
• Inappropriate supervision by staff and volunteers
• Bullying, cyber-bullying and acts of violence and aggression from within the learner community
• Victimisation
• Self-harm and risky behaviour
• Unsafe activities and environments
• Crime
• Exploitation

Runway is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all its learners and staff.

We have a Safeguarding Policy to help ensure the safety and protection of learners from all forms of abuse.

Runway has a designated Safeguarding Lead who can advise on any concerns including those regarding a young or vulnerable adult.

• Designated Safeguarding Lead – Dawn Wills
• Runway Training, 190 High Street, Tonbridge, Kent, TN9 1BE
• [email protected]
• Tel: 01732 402 402

Inappropriate Practice

If your teacher observes inappropriate practice in the workplace, this will be addressed with your Manager, and the Centre Manager will be informed. Any incident will be documented.

Please click here to view our Safeguarding Policy

Health, Safety and Welfare

It is the responsibility of each learner to take reasonable care of his or her own health and safety, and not to act in a manner that will place others in danger. In particular, all learners must:

• Be familiar and comply with their employer’s fire and emergency procedures Maintain good levels of housekeeping
• Use plant, machinery and equipment only when authorised to do so and in accordance with instructions
• Use the correct equipment and tools for the job and any protective clothing and safety equipment required in a proper manner
• Report to their employer and Apprenticeship teacher any defects in premises, plant, machinery, equipment and first aid facilities
• Take an active interest in health and safety

All learners are to be provided with health and safety induction training as part of their general enrolment program. The training will be commensurate with the level of identified risk associated with the learning environment and course program.

Staff hold the responsibility for delivering this training to learners and should also take steps to record, monitor and review training to ensure that the material is appropriate and suitable for all categories of learner to understand. Learners should be encouraged to report any health, safety or welfare concerns.

Target time to achieve your qualification

At the start of your qualification you will be given an expected end date. If, during this time, you have an unforeseen circumstance that hampers achievement, you must inform your Teacher/Assessor who will liaise with the relevant Manager to ensure that you are fully supported throughout.

Every Learner Matters

Runway will encourage and support all learners, whatever their background or circumstances to be healthy, stay safe, enjoy and achieve, make a positive contribution and achieve economic well-being.

COVID 19 update

Traineeships: has been made available online. It comprises of both, group and 1-1 sessions, carried out on Microsoft Teams. All assessments are Coursework based. Functional skills activities will be set online through the Runway website and exams will be carried out through remote invigilation. Students will be expected to attend all sessions and complete work to the usual high standard. If you cannot attend a session, we need to be notified 24 hours before! Runway Training can provide equipment where applicable and those who are considered vulnerable will be allowed to continue with face-to-face sessions. If you have any questions or would like further information, contact us on [email protected].

Apprenticeship’s:  are now delivered using a blended learning approach with some face to face delivery where this is safe to do so or a requirement of the Awarding organisation. Group and 1-1 sessions will be delivered via Teams (or Zoom if this the preferred method of the employer) and additional digital resources will be used throughout. An e-portfolio platform will be used to support delivery.

Functional skills: activities will be set online through the Runway website and exams will be carried out through remote invigilation. Where additional teaching sessions are needed these will be delivered via Teams.

Terms & Conditions

1.  Response Times

Where possible Runway Apprenticeships Ltd will endeavour to respond to learner enquiries, queries or general requests for information as soon as possible. As with many businesses we do experience spikes in demand and, to that end, may make it difficult to respond immediately. We will however ensure that we will respond to all student’s requests within 2 working days.

2.   Refunds Policy

We have a robust initial assessment procedure to ensure that ALL learners are on the correct course at the correct level. However, from time to time, we appreciate that situations occur that result in learners no longer being able to continue their studies. With every learner enrolment Runway Apprenticeships Ltd incurs considerable costs, therefore if notified of a learners intent to withdraw from the course within the first 28 days from sign-up payment we will refund the course fee minus a £50.00

Administration charge. For learners withdrawing beyond the 28 day period refunds will be only be considered under special circumstances and an entitlement of up to 50% of the original course fee will be considered. Special circumstances: If a student is unable to study due to serious illness or other circumstances beyond their control, their course may be “frozen” until a set return date. In this case, a formal written request must be submitted to [email protected] Runway Apprenticeships Ltd reserves the right to refuse such requests pending a decision by the Management Team. Where learners are no longer able to continue the Management Team will consider refunds of up to 50% of the original course fee based on the circumstances surrounding the reason for withdrawal.

3.   Course Duration (Proposed)

Runway Apprenticeships Ltd’s full cost Functional Skills courses have a validation period of 1 year from the date of sign-up payment. For example, if a student makes a sign-up payment for a course on 01/02/2013, they must have sat their  final exam by 31/01/2014 (1 calendar year) – failure to do so will result in students having to re-enrol and pay the course fees again. Runway Apprenticeships Ltd provides all the necessary resources for a learner to complete their course within this timeframe, so cannot be held responsible for any learners not completing within the one year period.

For any funded courses, the course end date will be stated on the holding deposit invoice. The learner must complete all coursework and sit their            final exams on or before this date in order to be eligible to have their holding deposit refunded – failure to do so will result in your holding deposit contributing to learner registration and administration costs incurred during the duration of their course.

4.    Cancellation & Rescheduling of Final Examinations

If a student needs to cancel an exam, they must submit a written request

to [email protected] at least 48 hours before the scheduled activity is due to take place. Failure to do so may result in them being charged £25.00 to cover the costs incurred by Runway Apprenticeships Ltd.

5.   Right of Refusal

Runway Apprenticeships Ltd reserves the right to refuse courses to a given student if this is deemed necessary by the Management Team. Any payments paid to date may be refunded in part as per the above refund policy but Runway Apprenticeships Ltd is under no obligation to explain why services cannot be rendered to the student in question.

6.    Use of Contact Information

Runway Training will NOT pass your details on to any third party and will only use your information to contact you regarding your course and any future learning opportunities.

7.   Privacy Policy

Runway Apprenticeships Ltd do not store credit card details nor do we share any financial details with any third parties.

For full versions of these policies and to request copies of all our other policies please email [email protected] or call us on 01732 402 402