Kids Planet achieves GOLD in Equality Standard accreditation

Kids Planet has achieved GOLD standard in the company’s first-ever ‘Committed to Equality’ C2E accreditation, an achievement the auditor said is “almost unheard of for an initial audit.”

Committed2Equality is a National Equality Standard, designed for organisations to enable them to reach their equality potential and demonstrate their equality and diversity working practices.

The achievement of the C2E Diversity Assured Equality Standard verifies that our equality practices comply with public sector contractual and statutory duties. The accreditation focuses on equality, diversity and inclusion in all areas – customers, employees and all people we do business with.

Our auditor was Richard Gilbert, who conducted a review of all related documentation such as our Code of Ethics, Equality & Diversity policy, applications and registrations, training and recruitment procedures, and procedures for vetting suppliers.

Head Office and a number of sites were audited including staff interviews. Kids Planet will be audited on a rolling annual basis going forward.

Kids Planet was reported to have shown particular strength in:

• The equality policy, which applies to parents and children as well as staff
• Our very own Training Academy, which the auditor commented was “probably the most extensive of all our client base”.
• Very clear performance expectations and training goals
• Annual pay review
• Disabilities supported
• A reported wide mix of staff in terms of ethnicity, age and religion
• Steps being taken to level out the identified gender imbalance
• A culture of inclusion which supports the needs of children with Special Educational Needs
• Acquired nurseries feel they are treated fairly
• Implementation of equality requirements in purchasing goods and services

The Champion, CEO and all those interviewed were clear in their responsibilities to the Equality Act. They were clear that EDI applied to their own conduct, interaction with colleagues, children, parents, suppliers, stakeholders, and the wider community.

Karen Seddon, Compliance and Risk Manager at Kids Planet, said:

“We are thrilled to have achieved the highest possible award straight off the bat. The audit process really brought home to me just how proud I am of our company and our commitment to equality. We remain committed to even further improvements and with our core value of ‘getting better every day’ always in mind, we look forward to a continued partnership with the auditors.”

Richard Gilbert, Director at Equilibrium Network Limited, said:

“The whole audit was a joy. Everyone was very accommodating, warm and friendly, as well as being totally committed to the children in their care. The Gold award is well-deserved and the major advantage going forward is that we are partnering to do a rolling audit so data will continually grow and become more robust. Warmest congratulations to all.”

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