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Equality and diversity

Equality, diversity and inclusion

At Surrey Outdoor Learning and Development (SOLD), our main goal is to tackle inequality so no one is left behind.

We aim to be a fair, compassionate, and inclusive organisation. We value differences and strive to make everyone feel safe and welcome. We will be open with our customers and staff about our intentions and take responsibility for achieving them.

We want all customers and staff at SOLD to feel they belong and have opportunities to succeed. We will work together to identify and remove barriers to inclusivity and diversity.

We have a zero-tolerance policy for bullying, discrimination, and harassment.

Everyone at our centres is expected to behave in ways that support our customers and staff. SOLD holds high standards and addresses discrimination firmly.

Inclusivity

Surrey Outdoor Learning and Development (SOLD) believes that outdoor learning experiences can significantly enhance personal, social, emotional, and physical skills in young people, adults, and families.

These experiences are valuable for vulnerable, disadvantaged, and high-need young people when conducted in the right manner.

Therefore, SOLD understands that some groups and individuals need additional support and understanding to fully benefit from outdoor learning.

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.