Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging
Our commitment
At the University of Chichester (Multi) Academy Trust, we believe that every young person and every colleague deserves to belong.
Our vision is for all young people to be inspired by an excellent education that raises aspirations and enriches lives. Achieving this requires environments where diversity is valued, difference is respected, and inclusion is actively shaped through everyday practice.
As a Trust, we are committed to creating a vibrant, inclusive and aspirational family of academies, where people feel welcomed, supported and empowered to succeed.
Belonging across our academies and teams
Belonging is not a standalone policy. It is reflected in how people are treated, how decisions are made, and how opportunities are created.
Across our academies and central team, we work to:
- Foster cultures where pupils and staff feel safe, respected and valued
- Create learning and working environments that recognise individual identity, experience and need
- Support leaders to respond swiftly and flexibly to the needs of pupils and communities
- Encourage collaboration across schools so that inclusive practice is shared and strengthened
Our approach is rooted in the belief that strong relationships and high expectations go hand in hand.
Representation and opportunity
We recognise the importance of our workforce, reflecting the communities we serve and the pupils we educate.
Guided by our Trust values – particularly aspiration, diversity and agency – we are committed to:
- Removing barriers to opportunity where they exist
- Ensuring fair access to employment, development and progression
- Using evidence-informed practice to shape recruitment, retention and professional learning
- Supporting colleagues to grow in confidence, expertise and leadership
This is an ongoing journey, informed by data, dialogue and reflection.
Recruitment
Inclusive recruitment and fair practice
Our recruitment and employment practices are designed to ensure equity, transparency and consistency across the Trust. We:
- Recruit on the basis of skills, experience, knowledge and potential.
- Are committed to the fair treatment of applicants and employees regardless of protected characteristics or background.
- Offer support and reasonable adjustments during recruitment and employment where required.
- Consider applicants with previous convictions fairly and proportionately, in line with safeguarding responsibilities.
Applicants who require support during the recruitment process are encouraged to contact the academy or team they are applying to.
Safeguarding trust and assurance
Inclusion must always sit alongside strong safeguarding and governance.
The University of Chichester (Multi) Academy Trust:
- Is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
- Ensures safer recruitment practices are consistently applied across all academies and central team.
- Requires appropriate Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks for relevant roles.
- Maintains robust data protection, retention and assurance processes.
These arrangements ensure our schools and services remain safe, professional and accountable.
Monitoring, reflection and improvement
To ensure our commitments translate into impact, we use data responsibly to:
- Monitor equity within recruitment and employment
- Identify trends, strengths and areas for development
- Inform Trust-wide improvement and professional learning
Completion of equality monitoring information is voluntary and confidential and is never used as part of selection decisions.