The Linden Centre – Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED) Compliance Statement

Updated: September 2025

At The Linden Centre, we are fully committed to fulfilling our statutory duties under the Equality Act 2010. We aim to ensure that every member of our school community—students, staff, parents, carers, and visitors—feels safe, respected, and valued, regardless of their protected characteristics. Our approach is embedded in the ethos and culture of our school, and we continually review and improve our practices to eliminate discrimination, advance equality of opportunity, and foster good relations.

This statement addresses our responsibilities in relation to all protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010: age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.

1. Eliminating Unlawful Discrimination, Harassment, and Victimisation

• We actively challenge discriminatory language, attitudes, and behaviours and maintain a whole-school, zero-tolerance approach to discrimination and harassment.

• Policies on behaviour, anti-bullying, safeguarding, staff conduct, recruitment, and whistleblowing are regularly reviewed to ensure alignment with legislation and best practice.

• All staff undertake regular training on equality, diversity, inclusion, unconscious bias, and safeguarding, ensuring they understand their responsibilities under the Equality Act 2010.

• Incidents of discrimination, harassment, or victimisation are recorded, monitored, and addressed promptly, with safeguarding protocols followed where necessary.

2. Advancing Equality of Opportunity

• We identify and remove barriers to learning, participation, and employment through:

  • Individualised support plans for students with SEND or other additional needs.

  • Reasonable adjustments to teaching, curriculum, and workplace arrangements.

  • Targeted interventions to support achievement and progression.

• Student progress and attainment data is carefully monitored across characteristics such as SEND, gender, ethnicity, and socio-economic status to identify and close gaps.

• Curriculum design, enrichment activities, and school experiences are inclusive, reflecting a diverse range of cultures, perspectives, and lived experiences.

• Recruitment, promotion, and professional development opportunities for staff are fair, transparent, and accessible, with equality monitoring in place to ensure compliance.

3. Fostering Good Relations

• Through PSHE, RSE, SMSC, and assemblies, we promote understanding, empathy, and respect for differences.

• Our inclusive ethos encourages collaboration, celebration of diversity, and the development of positive relationships across all groups.

• Key events and initiatives embedded in the school calendar include:

  • Black History Month

  • LGBTQ+ Awareness campaigns

  • Anti-Bullying Week

  • Mental Health Awareness activities

• Stereotypes and prejudice are actively challenged through discussion, literature, media, and lived experiences, fostering cultural competence and social responsibility.

4. Consulting and Involving Those Affected

• Students are actively involved in decision-making via School Council, pupil voice surveys, structured conversations, and representation from underrepresented groups.

• Parents and carers are consulted regularly through forums, newsletters, individual meetings, and satisfaction surveys, contributing to policy and practice development.

• Staff feedback is collected via appraisals, wellbeing checks, anonymous surveys, and team meetings to inform leadership decisions.

• We engage with external agencies, local authorities, and community organisations to ensure our practices reflect the lived experiences and needs of those we serve.

5. Monitoring, Accountability, and Reporting

• Senior leaders and the governing body are responsible for monitoring equality objectives, reviewing progress, and ensuring accountability across all areas of school life.

• Data on student outcomes, behaviour, attendance, recruitment, and staff progression is analysed by protected characteristic to inform strategies and interventions.

• Breaches of this policy are taken seriously and addressed promptly, following internal procedures and statutory obligations.

Annual Review

This statement is reviewed annually in consultation with students, staff, parents, governors, and external partners. This ensures The Linden Centre remains proactive, reflective, and fully compliant with the Public Sector Equality Duty.