Equality and Diversity Policy

Purpose and scope

This policy sets out how Jisr Education Limited treats students, their families, staff and partners fairly and without discrimination.

It applies to everyone acting for Jisr: the director, any staff, contractors, and anyone representing Jisr to students or institutions.

It exists because it is the right way to operate, and because National Code Standard 4.2 requires education agents to support students' enrolment journeys without prejudice or discrimination. UK institutions may ask to see it as evidence of Code compliance.

Legal framework

Jisr operates under the Equality Act 2010, which makes it unlawful to discriminate against a person because of a protected characteristic. The nine protected characteristics are: age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.

National Code Standard 4.2 lists substantially the same grounds (nationality, race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, age, marital and maternity status) as grounds on which an agent must not discriminate.

Our commitment to students and families

We will advise, support and submit applications for any qualified student, regardless of any protected characteristic.

We will give the same standard of service to every student. Nobody receives worse advice, slower responses or less attention because of who they are.

We will never refuse to submit an application for a qualified student on discriminatory grounds, or because we would earn no commission from that institution.

We will tailor advice to the individual's actual circumstances (their qualifications, English level, finances and needs) and not to assumptions about the group we think they belong to.

We will make reasonable adjustments where a student has a disability or additional need, for example by adjusting how or when we communicate, providing information in a different format, or allowing longer for decisions.

We will provide information in Arabic as well as English where that is what a family needs to understand it properly.

We will not make assumptions about a student's academic ability, ambition or suitability based on their gender, nationality, religion or background.

Avoiding unintentional discrimination

Discrimination is often unintentional. It can arise from not understanding a group's beliefs, or from acting on a stereotype rather than on what the individual has actually told you.

The practical safeguard is simple. Ask the person, and check you have understood. If a student uses a term about themselves, their needs or their circumstances that we are unsure about, we ask them what they mean rather than guessing. Adapting service to different needs is part of the job, not a favour.

Our commitment as an employer

Recruitment, selection, training, pay and progression at Jisr are based on merit and on the requirements of the role.

We will not discriminate in any employment decision on the basis of a protected characteristic.

We will make reasonable adjustments for disabled staff and applicants.

Harassment, bullying and victimisation are not tolerated, whether by staff, students, families or partners.

Anyone acting for Jisr is expected to read and follow this policy.

Marketing and communications

Our marketing will be honest and will not exclude, stereotype or misrepresent any group.

We will not suggest that any course, university or destination is unsuitable for a student on the basis of a protected characteristic.

Where we describe faith provision, accessibility or student support at a UK institution, we will describe it accurately rather than in a way designed to flatter or to alarm.

Working with partners

We expect the same standards from institutions, pathway providers and any sub-contractor we work with.

If we become aware that a partner has treated one of our students in a discriminatory way, we will raise it with that partner directly and support the student in making a complaint.

If something goes wrong

If you believe you have been treated unfairly by Jisr, please tell us. Email admissions@jisreducation.com, marked "Equality concern". We will acknowledge it within 3 working days and investigate it under our complaints procedure. Raising a concern will never affect your application or the service you receive.

You may also complain to the university you applied through, or, if you believe the law has been broken, seek advice from the Equality Advisory and Support Service or from a solicitor. Nothing in this policy limits your legal rights.

Responsibility and review

Our director is responsible for this policy and for making sure everyone acting for Jisr understands it.

It will be reviewed at least once a year, and sooner if the law changes or if an incident suggests it needs to change.

It is available to students, families, staff and partner institutions on request, and published at jisreducation.com.

A record of equality concerns raised and how they were resolved will be kept, so that patterns can be identified.

Company details

Jisr Education Limited. Registered in England and Wales, company number 17431146.