IOSHQ Equality and Non-Discrimination Policy
The IOSHQ equality and non-discrimination policy supports fair treatment, respectful participation and equitable access to the Institute’s educational services and institutional processes.
IOSHQ seeks to provide a professional learning environment in which individuals are treated with dignity and educational decisions are based on relevant academic, administrative and program requirements.
About the IOSHQ Equality and Non-Discrimination Policy
The IOSHQ equality and non-discrimination policy establishes general principles supporting fair treatment and respectful participation in the Institute’s educational and institutional activities.
IOSHQ seeks to make educational and administrative decisions according to relevant program requirements, academic standards, learner responsibilities and legitimate institutional considerations rather than irrelevant personal characteristics.
Equality in IOSHQ Education
A responsible educational environment combines fair access with consistent academic expectations and respectful professional conduct.
Fair Treatment
Learners and other participants should be treated fairly in relation to applicable educational and administrative processes.
Appropriate Access
IOSHQ seeks to identify and address reasonable barriers that may affect access to applicable educational information and participation.
Respectful Participation
Communication and participation should support a professional environment based on dignity, responsibility and mutual respect.
Non-Discrimination in Educational Participation
IOSHQ seeks to avoid unfair discrimination in access to and administration of its educational services. Decisions should be based on relevant educational, academic, administrative or operational considerations.
Personal characteristics that are unrelated to legitimate educational or institutional requirements should not be used as an improper basis for disadvantaging an individual in applicable IOSHQ processes.
Enrollment
Applicable enrollment decisions should relate to legitimate program, administrative and educational requirements.
Learning
Learners should have appropriate opportunity to participate in applicable educational activities subject to program requirements.
Assessment
Assessment decisions should relate to applicable academic requirements, learner work and established educational criteria.
Fair Treatment Throughout the Learning Process
Equality and non-discrimination principles apply across the learner journey while academic and completion requirements remain applicable to all learners.
Enroll
Access relevant program and enrollment information before beginning the educational process.
Learn
Participate in applicable learning activities within a professional educational environment.
Assess
Complete applicable assessment requirements according to relevant academic standards.
Complete
Meet the applicable requirements established for successful program completion.
Resolve
Raise relevant concerns through appropriate learner support or complaint processes.
Equality Does Not Remove Academic Requirements
Fair treatment does not require IOSHQ to remove essential learning outcomes, assessment requirements, academic integrity expectations or other legitimate requirements applicable to a program.
Learners remain responsible for satisfying the requirements associated with successful completion of their selected educational program.
Learning Outcomes
Applicable educational outcomes remain part of the academic framework for the relevant program.
Assessment Requirements
Learners must satisfy applicable assessment requirements for successful completion.
Academic Integrity
Expectations concerning authentic work, responsible conduct and assessment integrity continue to apply.
Equality, Accessibility and Reasonable Adjustments
Accessibility needs may affect how an individual accesses educational information or participates in applicable learning and assessment activities.
Where an accessibility barrier is identified, IOSHQ may consider reasonable adjustments appropriate to the circumstances while preserving essential academic and program requirements.
Professional and Respectful Communication
Learners, representatives, partners and others interacting with IOSHQ are expected to communicate and participate in a professional and respectful manner.
Harassment, intimidation, abusive conduct or other behavior that materially interferes with appropriate educational or institutional participation may be addressed according to the circumstances and applicable processes.
Respectful Communication
Communications should remain relevant, professional and respectful of the people involved.
Responsible Participation
Participants should conduct themselves in a manner consistent with an appropriate professional learning environment.
Constructive Resolution
Concerns should be raised through appropriate channels so they can be understood and reviewed responsibly.
Reporting an Equality or Discrimination Concern
A person who believes they have experienced unfair treatment or inappropriate discrimination in an applicable IOSHQ process may raise the matter for review.
Identify
Identify the relevant educational, administrative or communication matter giving rise to the concern.
Explain
Describe what occurred and why you believe the matter raises an equality or non-discrimination concern.
Support
Provide relevant records or information that may reasonably assist consideration of the concern.
Submit
Raise the concern through an appropriate IOSHQ communication or complaint channel.
Review
The available information is considered according to the nature and circumstances of the matter.
Reviewing Equality and Non-Discrimination Concerns
Concerns should be considered according to the facts and circumstances reasonably available, the applicable IOSHQ process and relevant educational or administrative requirements.
Additional information may be requested where reasonably necessary to understand the matter. The appropriate outcome depends on what is established through the review.
Relevant Information
Available records, communications and other relevant information may be considered as part of the review.
Appropriate Review
The nature of the concern helps determine the appropriate institutional process for considering it.
Applicable Outcome
Where an issue is established, an appropriate institutional response may be determined according to the circumstances.
Privacy When Raising a Concern
Personal information submitted in connection with an equality, discrimination or conduct concern may be used to identify, administer and review the relevant matter.
Individuals should provide information relevant to the concern and avoid unnecessarily sharing unrelated personal information. Information handling is subject to the IOSHQ privacy policy and applicable institutional practices.
Support for Fair Educational Participation
Learners who need information about program participation, accessibility, assessment, completion or an institutional process may contact IOSHQ learner support.
Learning Support
Access information relevant to program selection, enrollment and participation in the learning process.
Accessibility Support
Raise an identified accessibility barrier and request consideration of appropriate support.
Concern Resolution
Use the appropriate complaint or appeal process when a matter requires formal review.
Policies Supporting Fair and Responsible Education
Equality and non-discrimination operate alongside IOSHQ accessibility, academic integrity and complaint processes.
Accessibility
Review the Institute’s approach to accessibility barriers, learner support and reasonable adjustments.
Academic Integrity
Review expectations concerning authentic academic work, learner responsibility and assessment integrity.
Complaints & Appeals
Review the process for raising concerns and requesting review of applicable institutional decisions.
IOSHQ Equality and Non-Discrimination Policy FAQ
Review common questions about equality, non-discrimination, accessibility and raising concerns.
The IOSHQ equality and non-discrimination policy establishes general principles supporting fair treatment, appropriate educational access and respectful participation in IOSHQ activities.
No. Fair treatment does not remove essential learning outcomes, assessment requirements, academic integrity expectations or other legitimate program requirements.
Accessibility concerns may create barriers to educational participation. IOSHQ may consider reasonable adjustments appropriate to the circumstances while maintaining essential academic requirements.
Contact IOSHQ or use the applicable complaints process. Identify the relevant matter, explain the concern and provide information that may reasonably assist review.
Yes. Where the concern relates to an applicable assessment decision or process, review the IOSHQ complaints and appeals policy and provide relevant information supporting the matter raised.
The IOSHQ Learner Support page provides information concerning program selection, enrollment, learning, assessment, completion, accessibility and credential-related support.
Raise an Equality or Non-Discrimination Concern
If you believe an IOSHQ educational or institutional process has resulted in inappropriate discrimination or unfair treatment, provide clear information so the matter can be considered through the appropriate process.