Equal Opportunities Policy

LBEDU/LBIETA is committed to promoting diversity and equal opportunities, fostering a respectful and inclusive learning and working environment.

Our Commitment and Mission

LBEDU/LBIETA is committed to promoting diversity and equal opportunities in academic pursuits and employment, and to eliminating any form of discrimination or harassment against any staff, trainers, students, candidates, and other persons associated with LBEDU/LBIETA. All individuals are respected and treated fairly regardless of their race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin.

A Diverse and Inclusive Educational Environment

Mutual respect and fair treatment contribute to creating a diverse and harmonious learning and working environment. To foster full awareness and promotion of diversity and equal opportunities among staff and students, the institution takes proactive measures to advocate for equal opportunities.

Zero Tolerance Policy Stance

Zero Tolerance Policy

LBEDU/LBIETA adopts a zero-tolerance attitude towards discrimination and harassment. We require all staff (including sales personnel, administrative staff, teaching staff, supervisors, quality assurance officers, or assessors) to strictly adhere to the Staff Code of Conduct, Trainer Code of Conduct, Institution Code of Conduct, and their respective professional ethics, and to disclose any conflicts of interest / interests to the institution where appropriate.

Professional Ethics and Responsibilities

All institution staff must take all necessary measures to ensure that no staff, trainers, students, candidates, or any other persons conducting business with LBEDU/LBIETA are subjected to any form of discrimination or harassment:

  • Lead by example, demonstrating values of respect for diversity and equal opportunities
  • Promptly address any signs of discrimination or harassment
  • Provide a safe and respectful learning and working environment for students, candidates, and colleagues
  • Participate regularly in equal opportunities-related training to enhance awareness and handling capabilities

Scope of the Equal Opportunities Policy

LBEDU/LBIETA's Equal Opportunities Policy ("Policy") prohibits the following unlawful discriminatory conduct in activities conducted within the protected areas, namely employment, education, and the provision of goods, services, and facilities. Such conduct is illegal under Hong Kong's anti-discrimination laws. LBEDU/LBIETA will promptly address any discrimination complaints and, where appropriate, take disciplinary action against institution staff, trainers, students, candidates who violate the policy.

Main Areas Covered by the Policy

Employment & Recruitment

All employment-related aspects including recruitment, promotion, remuneration, training, dismissal, etc.

Education & Training

Educational processes including course admission, teaching, assessment, academic support, examination and assessment, etc.

Services & Facilities

Provision of student services, facility usage, support services, goods sales, etc.

Institution Activities

All institution-organized events, seminars, social activities, examination arrangements, etc.

Prohibited Discrimination and Harassment

According to Hong Kong's Sex Discrimination Ordinance, Disability Discrimination Ordinance, Family Status Discrimination Ordinance, and Race Discrimination Ordinance, the following acts are unlawful:

(a) Sexual Harassment

Unwelcome sexual attention, sexual demands, or other conduct of a sexual nature

(b) Sex Discrimination

Less favourable treatment or opportunity restriction based on sex

(c) Marital Status Discrimination

Discrimination based on marital status (married, single, divorced, etc.)

(d) Pregnancy Discrimination

Unfair treatment or opportunity restriction due to pregnancy

(e) Disability Discrimination, Harassment and Vilification

Discrimination, harassment, or belittling behavior based on disability

(f) Family Status Discrimination

Unfair treatment due to the need to care for family members

(g) Racial Discrimination, Harassment and Vilification

Discrimination based on race, colour, descent, national or ethnic origin

(h) Victimisation

Retaliation for making a discrimination complaint or assisting others with complaints

In addition to the 4 anti-discrimination ordinances, this policy also covers complaints concerning sexual orientation harassment. Other forms of discrimination and harassment not covered by this policy (e.g., discrimination based on age, religion, nationality, social origin, and political inclination) will be handled according to the institution's staff, trainer, student, candidate complaint procedures.

Core Principles of the Equal Opportunities Policy

Respect for Individual Differences

We respect each person's uniqueness and acknowledge the value of diverse backgrounds and experiences

Fair Treatment

Ensure all individuals receive fair treatment in opportunities, treatment, and resource allocation

Inclusive Environment

Create an environment where everyone feels accepted, valued, and safe

Active Promotion

Take proactive measures to remove barriers and promote diverse participation and equal opportunity

Discrimination Complaint Handling Procedure

We have established a formal and confidential complaint handling mechanism to ensure all discrimination or harassment complaints are treated seriously, fairly, and promptly.

  1. Lodging a Complaint: Affected individuals may lodge a complaint in writing, by email, or verbally to the Equal Opportunities and Persons with Disabilities Services Officer
  2. Preliminary Assessment: Conduct a preliminary assessment within 3 working days of receiving the complaint to determine its nature and handling method
  3. Investigation Process: Assign an independent investigator to complete the investigation and collect evidence within 14 working days
  4. Notification of Results: Notify the complainant and respondent of the investigation results within 7 working days after investigation completion
  5. Follow-up Measures: Implement appropriate corrective or disciplinary measures based on investigation results and ensure effective implementation
  6. Appeal Mechanism: If dissatisfied with the handling result, an appeal may be lodged within 10 working days of receiving the result
Confidentiality and Protection

We are committed to strict confidentiality of all complaint contents and protecting complainants from retaliation. Any retaliation against complainants will be considered a serious violation and may result in disciplinary action.

Support Services and Training Programs

We provide comprehensive support services and training programs to foster the development of an equal opportunities culture:

  • Equal Opportunities Training: Provide regular equal opportunities training for all staff, trainers, students, and candidates to enhance awareness of diversity and inclusion
  • Accessible Facilities: Continuously improve institution accessibility facilities to ensure persons with disabilities can participate equally in all activities
  • Cultural Sensitivity Education: Provide cultural sensitivity training to promote mutual understanding and respect among people from different backgrounds
  • Support Network: Establish a diversity and inclusion support network to provide peer support and resource connections for those in need
  • Regular Review: Annually review the implementation effectiveness of the Equal Opportunities Policy and update and improve it as needed

Enquiries and Contact

For any enquiries regarding the policy and other related matters, please contact our Equal Opportunities and Persons with Disabilities Services Officer by phone at 3583 1687 or by email at [email protected]:

Equal Opportunities and Persons with Disabilities Services Officer

Contact Phone: 3583 1687

Email Address: [email protected]

Office Hours: Monday to Friday 10:30 AM - 7:00 PM

We are committed to providing an initial response within 30 working days of receiving an enquiry or complaint and offering appropriate assistance and support.

Building an Inclusive Campus Together

Equal opportunity is not just a policy, but a core value of our institution's culture. We invite all staff, trainers, students, candidates, and partners to work with us to create a truly diverse, inclusive, and respectful learning and working environment where everyone can fully realize their potential and receive equal development opportunities.

 

Equal Opportunities Policy Last Updated: January 2025 | This institution reserves the right to revise this policy without prior notice