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.

Green 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 assessors and trainers 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-to-day 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.

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.

Data Protection

Our policy is to amass, store and process, in line with the Data Protection Principles set out in the Data Protection Act 1998, only that personal data necessary to comply with:

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

Runway Training are required to keep, store securely and process certain information about its employees, learners and other users to allow continued performance monitoring, health and safety and equality and diversity.

All data will be acquired and process 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.

Update: New Data Protection Law (GDPR) coming in soon.

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 Officer who can advise on any concerns with regards to a young or vulnerable adult.

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

Inappropriate Practice

If your assessor 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.

Health and Safety

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 assessor any defects in premises, plant, machinery, equipment and first aid facilities
• Take an active interest in health and safety

Target time to achieve your qualification

At the start of your qualification your assessor will set an expected end date. If, during this time, you have an unforeseen circumstance that hampers achievement, you must inform your assessor who will liaise with the Centre 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.