Being a student, staff, management member at the MACTT should not be hazardous activity and we expect members to have enjoyable time with no health and safety problems. One does, however need to be aware of the following when they are at the premises of MACTT:

MACTT’s responsibilities

Responsibility for maintaining a safe working environment rests with all members of MACTT. A  key aspect of our health and safety policy is the prevention of accidents to themselves and others. MACTT’s Management has overall responsibility for implementation of the health and safety policy within MACTT premises. When training is held outside of MACTT premises, such responsibilities lie with the venue provider.

Student and tutor responsibilities

Students and trainers have a duty to co-operate with any health and safety policies, including familiarisation with safety procedures in the event of fire and other emergencies. They have a duty to not:

“intentionally or recklessly interfere with or misuse anything provided in the interests of health, safety or welfare.”

Reporting accidents, hazards and concerns

In the event of any of the above, whether the problem stems from causes inside MACTT’s premises or otherwise, one should fill in a report form which is available at the reception area of MACTT or report it to the Academy or venue service provider at the following:

Contact: secretary@mactt.eu

Or send it by web portal to the Coordinator of Studies.

All reports concerning health and safety will be discussed and acted upon at MACTT’s management meetings.

It is strictly forbidden to smoke on MACTT’s premises.

MACTT is required by law to provide a healthy working environment for every person. Due to  this, a “NO SMOKING” policy has been adopted, valid for the premises of the school including the classrooms and circulation areas. Under these rules, students, tutors and staff are permitted to smoke only outside the building. Disciplinary measures will be taken against those who do not respect these rules.

No messages will be taken for the students, except in case of an emergency. Students are not allowed to use MACTT’s telephones. Students are not allowed to use their mobile telephone while in class; please take measures to avoid incoming calls as well. In case of an emergency, students shall leave the class and take / make the call accordingly.

MACTT believes that excellence will be achieved through recognising the value of every individual. We aim to create an environment that respects the diversity of staff and students and enables them to achieve their full potential: to contribute fully, and to derive maximum benefit and enjoyment from their involvement in the life of this Institution.

Our job is to promote equality and human rights. We do this by providing advice and guidance, working to implement an effective legislative framework and raising awareness of student rights.

12.1.1    Policy Statement

MACTT is committed to promoting equal opportunity in education and employment. MACTT does this in recognition of the principles of equity and in conforming to the spirit and intent of equal opportunity and anti-discrimination laws. MACTT accepts its responsibilities in relation to these rights for people while they are engaged in activities undertaken as part of their study or employment with MACTT.

12.1.2    Definitions

Age discrimination

Age discrimination means unfair treatment of a person on the basis of their age or age group.

Age discrimination often occurs due to incorrect assumptions or stereotypes about people’s skills, abilities, personal qualities or needs based on how old or young they are.

Bullying

Refers to the definition of Workplace bullying or harassment.

Disability

Under the Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act 1992, disability means: total or partial loss of a person’s bodily or mental functions; or total or partial loss of a part of the body; or the presence in the body of organisms causing disease or illness; or the presence in the body of organisms capable of causing disease or illness; or the malfunction, malformation or disfigurement of a part of a person’s body; or a disorder or malfunction that results in a person learning differently from a person without the disorder or malfunction; or a disorder, illness, or disease that affects a person’s thought processes, perception of reality, emotions or judgement, or that results in disturbed behaviour; and includes a disability that: presently exists; or previously existed but no longer exists; or may exist in the future; or is imputed to a person.

Discrimination

Unlawful discrimination means treating an individual and/or groups in employment and education less favourably because of one of the grounds specified in the relevant legislation.

Diversity

Generally, refers to differences in race, gender, ethnic or cultural background, level of physical and mental ability, age, sexual orientation and religion. A productive and fair environment is one that acknowledges diversity and recognises the need to promote equality and a discrimination-free working and learning environment.

Equal opportunity

MACTT strives towards being an equal opportunities organisation. MACTT is actively committed to a policy that recognises the rights of all individuals to equality of opportunity. Our goal is to create an organisational and client learning environment which is free from discrimination, harassment or intimidation to which all people have equal opportunity to realise their full potential. We are committed to policies and procedures, which respect and value every individual’s unique contribution, irrespective of their gender, marital status, race, ethnic origin, religious belief, disability and without reference to social background or sexual orientation. MACTT is committed to a programme of action that seeks to eradicate all forms of discrimination in all aspects of our work and in all aspects of community involvement. MACTT further recognises that the inequalities within our society can be so deeply ingrained that they require a positive action programme to overcome them.

MACTT requires that discriminatory behaviour that is offensive or demeaning to anyone is treated as a matter for concern and dealt with appropriately. MACTT believes that this principle is of fundamental importance in the context of a learning situation in which explanation, formulation and change of ideas and knowledge and the acknowledgement of a wide  diversity of opinion and belief is central to its existence.

MACTT fully supports moral and legislative guidelines and is committed to following all Codes of Practice in relation to the Equal Opportunities, Race Relations and Disability Discrimination Acts, including any amendments or regulations associated with those Acts and future legislation.

Family responsibilities

Refers to a range of duty of care or support responsibilities an individual may have as a member of a family. For example to look after a sick child, to attend a child’s school for a parent / teacher interview, or to take a partner or an elderly parent to the doctor.

Harassment

Unwelcome behaviour or language that has the effect of offending, intimidating, or humiliating a person on the basis of their sex, marital status, pregnancy, sexuality, race, disability, age, or political or religious belief, in circumstances which a reasonable person, having regard to all the circumstances, would have anticipated that the person harassed would be offended, humiliated, or intimidated.

Marital status

Being single, married, married but living separately and apart from one’s spouse, separated, divorced, widowed, or living with another person in a de facto relationship.

Pregnancy

Refers to presumed or actual pregnancy, or potential pregnancy.

Race

The term ‘race’ is understood to be flexible and evolving. It includes a person’s nationality, country of birth, colour, ancestry, ethnic origin, or people associated with those of a particular race. The word ‘race’ is used in these procedures to reflect relevant legislation.

Sex

This means whether a person is male or female.

Sexual harassment

Unwelcome sexual behaviour or sexual innuendo that has the effect of offending, intimidating  or humiliating a person in circumstances, which a reasonable person having regard to all the circumstances would have anticipated that the person harassed would be offended, humiliated or intimidated.

Sexuality

This means whether a person is heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual or transsexual. It includes presumed sexuality.

Social justice

The right of all staff and students to equality of treatment and opportunity, and the removal of barriers of race, ethnicity, culture, religion, language, gender or place of birth.

Victimisation

Refers to a person being subjected to less favourable treatment because it is known or suspected that the person has made or proposes to lodge a grievance; has provided any information or documents; has attended a conference in relation to a grievance; or has supported someone else lodging a grievance.

Workplace bullying or harassment

Workplace bullying or harassment involves the repeated unreasonable ill-treatment of a person by another or others. It is a form of harassment and discrimination consisting of offensive, abusive, belittling or threatening behaviour directed at an individual or a group in the workplace.

12.1.3    Principles

1. MACTT will take all reasonable steps to identify and eliminate unlawful direct, indirect, and systemic discrimination from its structures and practices in order to promote equality of opportunity for all its staff and
2. This policy forms the basis for the Academy’s specific equal opportunity policies. These include the Sexual Harassment Policy, Policy for Students with Disabilities, Diversity and Representation on Committees Policy, Inclusive Language Policy, Anti-Racism Policy and other policies as
3. The Academy recognises the rights of individuals and groups to be free from discrimination, harassment and bullying on the grounds of:
   • Sex, marital status, pregnancy, family responsibilities
   • Sexuality
   • Race
   • Disability
   • Political or religious belief
   • Age
4. MACTT has a firm commitment to equal opportunity principles, and will work towards ensuring that no discriminatory policies or practices exist in any aspect of employment or education.

12.1.4    Implementation requirements

Consistent with legislation, implementation of this policy will use education and conciliation as the principal means to eliminate discrimination and in the resolution of grievances.

An essential element in the implementation of this policy is raising the awareness of all members of the Academy community of the principles of equity and social justice.

In affirmation of its commitment to equal opportunity MACTT will:

• Promote equal opportunity in all aspects of MACTT’s activities and as an integral part of all the organisation’s policies and practices;
• Adopt policies, procedures, and practices for staff consistent with equal opportunity principles in the areas of admission, teaching, assessment, research, and access to the provision of services and other facilities of MACTT;
• Adopt policies, procedures, and practices for staff consistent with equal opportunity principles in the areas of recruitment, selection, promotion, training and development, and other conditions of employment;
• Act to provide a learning and working environment that is free of sexual harassment;
• Take action to prevent the occurrence of unlawful discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment and bullying by conducting educative programmes and other activities for staff and students and through the implementation of discrimination and harassment grievance procedures for staff and discrimination and harassment grievance procedures for students;
• Take positive steps to promote representative participation of diverse groups of students and staff to achieve equal opportunity in education and employment;
• Continue to develop specific policies that focus on equal opportunity issues (as the need arises) and monitor and evaluate such.

12.1.5    Responsibilities and/or authorities

All staff and students are responsible for ensuring that equal opportunity principles are respected. Members of staff are responsible for understanding the legislation and ensuring that the workplace and study environment are safe and free from discrimination under the grounds covered by this policy. Management is also responsible for ensuring that equal opportunity principles are adhered to in order to promote equal employment opportunity.

12.1.6    Evaluation

The policy will be evaluated by the Management of the MACTT and recommendations presented to the Head of Academy.

12.1.7    Practical Application

MACTT will endeavour to provide a service which is appropriate to the needs of an individual and is delivered in an atmosphere that is free from stereotyping. Harassment of any kind will not be tolerated and we will strive to provide appropriate support and guidance to staff, students and tutors. Furthermore, MACTT is committed to providing a service that takes into account the views of the community. The Academy will continue to work towards a staffing and learning population balance that reflects the wider community.

It is important to recognise that the concept of ‘equal opportunities’ does not mean treating everybody the same. It is the concept of ensuring that everyone has a ‘level playing field’ and  is protected from discrimination. Equal opportunities may therefore involve different treatment  or adjustments.

MACTT recognises that good intentions alone are not sufficient, and this policy needs to be supported by a clear programme of positive action based on strategic objectives, so that equality of opportunity can become a reality for employees and learners.

12.1.8    Implementation

It is recognised that the principal responsibility for providing equal opportunities in training rests with the company by means of:

1. The adoption of the policy on Equal Opportunities and Diversity by the Company
2. Co-ordination by all Company Directors, with an agreed pattern of shared responsibility by which implementation is affected by each member of MACTT’s staff in their role and the tutors and students involved in the training.