London College of Creative Media (LCCM)
Equal Opportunities and Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Policy

Version: 2025.1
Approved by: Board of Governors
Review Date: November 2026

1. Policy Statement

London College of Creative Media (LCCM) is committed to providing equality of opportunity for all members of its community — staff, students, applicants, and visitors — and to creating an environment where every individual is treated with dignity, fairness, and respect. We will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, or victimisation on any grounds prohibited by law and will promote a culture that celebrates diversity and inclusion.

This policy is guided by the Equality Act 2010 and supports LCCM’s values of creativity, inclusivity, and opportunity for all.

2. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to:

• Ensure that no member of the College community or applicant is treated less favourably because of a protected characteristic.
• Embed equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) into all areas of college life — including teaching, learning, assessment, recruitment, employment, and community engagement.
• Meet and exceed our legal duties under the Equality Act 2010 and Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED).
• Provide clear guidance on responsibilities, accountability, and procedures to uphold equal opportunities.

3. Scope

This policy applies to:

• All current and prospective students of LCCM.
• All current and prospective employees, contractors, and freelance staff.
• All visitors, volunteers, partners, and collaborators representing LCCM.

It covers all aspects of institutional activity including recruitment, admissions, teaching, assessment, professional conduct, training, promotion, and disciplinary processes.

4. Legal Framework

LCCM’s Equal Opportunities Policy is governed by the Equality Act 2010, which identifies the following protected characteristics:

• Age
• Disability
• Gender reassignment
• Marriage and civil partnership
• Pregnancy and maternity
• Race (including colour, nationality, and ethnic or national origin)
• Religion or belief
• Sex
• Sexual orientation

The College also recognises that some individuals may experience disadvantage because of socio-economic background or caring responsibilities and will take reasonable action to remove barriers wherever possible.

5. Policy Commitments

• Promoting equality of opportunity in all aspects of study and employment.
• Advancing equality of opportunity between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not.
• Fostering good relations between groups through understanding, awareness, and dialogue.
• Making reasonable adjustments for disabled staff, students, and visitors.
• Providing equal access to facilities, training, and professional development.
• Ensuring transparent, fair, and merit-based recruitment and admissions processes.
• Embedding inclusive design and teaching practice across all programmes.
• Actively addressing harassment, bullying, and discriminatory behaviour.

6. Responsibilities

a) Board of Governors
Holds ultimate accountability for ensuring compliance with equality legislation and policy implementation.
Reviews and approves this policy annually.

b) Principal and Senior Leadership Team (SLT)
Ensure that EDI principles are embedded in strategic and operational planning.
Oversee equality data monitoring and reporting.
Champion a culture of inclusivity and respect.

c) Human Resources Department
Implement fair and inclusive recruitment, selection, and employment practices.
Provide staff with training and support on equality and diversity.

d) Academic and Support Departments
Ensure inclusive curriculum design, teaching methods, and assessment.
Respond to and report any incidents of discrimination or harassment.

e) Staff and Students
Treat all members of the community with dignity and respect.
Challenge and report inappropriate behaviour.
Participate in equality training where required.

7. Reasonable Adjustments

LCCM will make reasonable adjustments to ensure disabled staff, students, and visitors are not placed at a substantial disadvantage. Requests for adjustments should be made through:

• Students: Student Services and Academic Support Team.
• Staff: Human Resources Department.

All requests will be handled promptly and sensitively, ensuring confidentiality and consultation.

8. Harassment and Bullying

LCCM has a zero-tolerance approach to harassment, bullying, and victimisation. Any behaviour that violates the dignity of others or creates a hostile or intimidating environment will be investigated under the Student Disciplinary Procedure or Staff Grievance Policy.

9. Monitoring and Reporting

LCCM will collect and analyse equality data relating to staff and students (admissions, retention, attainment, recruitment, and progression).
Annual equality reports will be submitted to the Board of Governors and shared with relevant committees.
Findings will inform equality objectives and action plans.

10. Training and Awareness

Equality, diversity, and inclusion training is mandatory for all staff at induction and refreshed every two years.
Managers and academic staff receive additional training in inclusive leadership and unconscious bias.
Student induction includes awareness of EDI values and support channels.

11. Communication

• Published on the LCCM website and staff intranet.
• Shared with all new students and staff during induction.
• Available in alternative formats on request.

12. Complaints and Breaches

Complaints of discrimination, harassment, or victimisation should be raised via the Student Complaints Procedure or Staff Grievance Procedure.
LCCM will investigate all complaints fairly, confidentially, and without delay.
Disciplinary action will be taken where policy breaches are found.
No individual will suffer detriment or victimisation for raising a genuine concern.

13. Review and Continuous Improvement

This policy will be reviewed annually by the Board of Governors or sooner if legislation changes.
Feedback from staff, students, and external audits will inform revisions.
Progress against equality objectives will be published annually.

14. Related Documents

• LCCM Student Code of Conduct
• LCCM Staff Handbook
• Anti-Harassment and Bullying Policy
• Student Complaints Procedure
• Staff Grievance and Disciplinary Procedures
• Equality Action Plan

15. Approval

Approved by: Board of Governors – London College of Creative Media
Date: 6 November 2025
Next Review: November 2026