51茶馆

As a public body we give due regard to the need to eliminate discrimination, advance quality of opportunity and foster good relations between persons who share relevant 鈥榩rotected characteristics鈥� and persons who do not. We also have a duty under the 鈥淎pprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009鈥� to have regard to the reasonable requirements of relevant students, including those with special educational needs and disabilities.

In addition we must give due regard to our equality duties under section 75 of the 鈥淣orthern Ireland Act 1998鈥�. This is because we regulate vocational qualifications in Northern Ireland and the 鈥淓quality Act 2010鈥� is not applicable to Northern Ireland.

In 2012 we published our Equality Objectives in accordance with the 鈥淓quality Act 2010鈥� and the Equality Act 2010 (specific duties) regulations 2011. Our equality objectives support our wider corporate objectives were developed in consultation with internal and external stakeholders. Our equality objectives are:

1. Regulating to promote good practice in the way qualifications are designed, delivered and assessed.
2. Promoting equality when we procure goods and services.
3. Promoting equality in recruiting and employing members of staff.

We are also required to act (so far as is reasonably practicable) in accordance with the five statutory objectives that are set out in the 鈥淎pprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009鈥�:

• the qualifications standards objective
• the assessments standards objectives
• the public confidence objective
• the awareness objective
• the efficiency objective