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Equality and diversity

Equality, diversity and inclusion

Tackling inequality so no-one is left behind is our guiding principle at SOLD. We commit to being a fair, compassionate and inclusive organisation that genuinely values difference and makes everyone feel safe and they belong. We will be open and transparent with our customers and staff on our intentions and will take responsibility to achieve them.

We are committed to supporting all customers and staff to feel they belong at Surrey Outdoor Learning and Development (SOLD) and have opportunities to succeed. We will work with our customers and staff to identify and remove barriers that get in the way of inclusivity and diversity.

We take a zero tolerance approach to bullying, discrimination and harassment.

We expect everyone at our centres to behave in ways that help us support our customers and staff alike. SOLD hold only high standards that everyone expects, dealing decisively with instances of discrimination.

Inclusivity

Surrey Outdoor Learning and Development recognizes and wholeheartedly believes that outdoor learning experiences are a powerful and effective way of developing personal, social, emotional and physical skills in young people, adults and families.

If delivered properly, it is particularly effective at developing the most vulnerable, disadvantaged, high need and challenging young people.

For this reason, SOLD recognises that there are certain groups and individuals within society who require more support, help and understanding to achieve their full potential through an outdoor learning experience.

Such groups and individuals include:

  • Young people with learning or physical needs
  • Young people with behavioural and emotional needs
  • Young people from black and ethnic minority groups
  • Young People in care
  • Young Parents
  • Young People who are involved in drugs or alcohol misuse
  • Lesbian, Gay or Transgender young people
  • Young people who have been excluded
  • Young offenders
  • Young people not in education, employment or training

SOLD aims to fully include these young people in the opportunities it offers in the following ways:

  1. Provide programmes or experiences, which specifically aim to meet the needs of young people and outcomes in the group.
  2. SOLD staff will show respect and understanding to all young people.
  3. Adapt the delivery of that programme or experience to give the best possible chance of success and achievement.
  4. Will offer the option of allocating more staff or a smaller group size if required wherever possible.
  5. Work closely with the accompanying leaders to ensure the needs are being met as well as possible.
  6. Have a tolerant and empathetic approach to the needs of young people.
  7. Set clear boundaries for the young people and help them to stay within those boundaries.
  8. Give clear consequences to the young people where boundaries are crossed.
  9. Only exclude groups or individuals as an absolute last resort.
  10. Show flexibility wherever possible in the organising and delivery of experiences in order to meet the needs of the young people.
  11. Wherever possible, include all young people in as much of the outdoor learning experience as possible.
  12. Focus on achieving success and providing the most positive experience.
  13. Always offer a second chance to get it right.
  14. Use a 'challenge by choice' approach to learning.
  15. Negotiate and discuss contracts of behaviour with young people.