1. Policy Statement
Brussels College is committed to a policy of equality of opportunity in all aspects of its operations and practices. We are committed to ensuring that everyone using our services — candidates, staff, applicants, and visitors — is treated fairly, with respect and dignity, and in accordance with applicable Belgian, EU, and relevant awarding-body equality and diversity requirements.
✓ Our Commitment: All Brussels College staff are required to fully support this Equality and Diversity Policy, and it applies equally to how we recruit, teach, assess, and support every candidate.
2. Scope
This policy applies to:
- All candidates and applicants, at every stage from enquiry and admission through to graduation
- All employees, including academic, administrative, and support staff
- Governors, advisory board members, and contractors acting on behalf of Brussels College
3. Prevention of Discrimination
Brussels College is committed to the prevention of discrimination, and actively promotes equality and diversity in access to, and entitlement to, its qualifications and services, regardless of gender, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, race, nationality, marital status, religion or belief, or disability.
3.1 What Discrimination Can Look Like
Discrimination in the context of this policy may take many forms, including but not limited to:
- Offensive or hostile treatment of an individual on any of the grounds listed above
- Verbal or physical abuse on any of those grounds
- Displaying overtly offensive material, whether written or visual
- Unacceptable behavior which fails to take into account the needs or rights of others
- Criticising or denigrating individual practices connected to a protected characteristic
- Indirect discrimination — for example, scheduling examinations on a day when candidates of a particular religion are unable to attend
4. How We Meet This Commitment
Brussels College meets its commitments under this policy by ensuring its teaching, learning programs, and support services:
- Are available to everyone who can achieve the required standard
- Are free from barriers which restrict access and progression
- Are free from direct or indirect discrimination on the grounds of gender, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, race, nationality, marital status, religion or belief, or disability
- Accommodate, where reasonable, the particular requirements of an individual learner — including those who may require a Special Consideration to undertake assessment (see the Special Considerations Policy)
- Are supported by documents and promotional materials that are easily understood, free of stereotype or bias, and reflect the diversity of our student body
- Are quality-assured using processes that are fair and transparent
5. Embedding the Policy
To ensure this policy is understood and consistently applied, Brussels College will:
- Issue a copy to all staff and candidates, and make it publicly available on our website
- Provide training and briefings for staff on a regular basis and as required
- Reflect the principles of this policy in all other policy development and practice, including supporting guidance and services for learners
- Review and monitor the effectiveness of this policy on an annual basis, and improve it where required
6. Recruitment and Admissions
- Selection for admission is based solely on a candidate's ability to meet published entry requirements
- Staff recruitment and promotion decisions are based on merit, skills, and experience relevant to the role
- Interview panels and admissions decision-makers receive guidance on avoiding bias
- Reasonable adjustments are offered during the application and interview process on request
7. Reporting a Concern
Brussels College will respond promptly and efficiently to any report of an incident of inequality, discrimination, or harassment from a member of staff or a candidate. All questions or suspected breaches of this policy should be referred to the Head of Center or the Vice Rector.
Step 1: Report
Raise the concern with the Vice Rector, or via the Complaint Procedure if you prefer a formal written process.
Step 2: Investigation
The matter is investigated in line with the Complaint Procedure or, where it involves a staff member, Brussels College's disciplinary procedures.
Step 3: Outcome and Action
Appropriate action is taken, which may include mediation, disciplinary measures, or changes to processes found to indirectly disadvantage a protected group.
8. Relationship to Awarding Body Requirements
This policy forms part of Brussels College's written agreement and application documentation with each awarding body it works with, including NCC Education and Northwood University, and reflects the equality and diversity standards those bodies require of accredited centers.
9. Related Policies
10. Contact Information
ℹ️ To Report a Concern or Ask a Question:
Email:
i.chiloglu@brucol.be (Vice Rector)
General Office:
office@brucol.be
Phone: +32 471 09 6641
Address:
Brussels College, Excelsiorlaan 5, 1930 Zaventem, Belgium