1. PURPOSE

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ED4S Academy is committed to fostering an inclusive learning environment where all delegates, colleagues, and stakeholders are treated with fairness, dignity, and respect. This policy ensures that all learners have equal access to training and development opportunities, free from discrimination, harassment, or unfair treatment. 

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ED4S aligns its practices with: 

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• Provincial/Territorial Human Rights Codes (e.g., Quebec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms) 

• Canadian Human Rights Act (CHRA), where applicable 

• ISO 26000: Guidance on Social Responsibility 

• UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 5: Gender Equality & SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities) 

• Global Reporting Initiative (GRI 405 & 406)
   

This integration ensures that our policies reflect both legal compliance in Quebec/Canada and international best practices in equality, diversity, and inclusion (DEI). 

 

2. SCOPE
 

This policy applies to:

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• All delegates participating in ED4S Academy training (online or in-person) 

• All ED4S colleagues involved in program delivery, administration, or client support 

• External trainers, facilitators, and subcontractors engaged by ED4S

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It covers all interactions, learning materials, venues, digital platforms, and communications. 

 

3. POLICY PRINCIPLES

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3.1 Commitment to Equality and Diversity

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ED4S Academy strives to ensure that all delegates and colleagues are supported to reach their full potential, regardless of: 

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• Age 

• Gender identity or expression 

• Marital or civil partnership status 

• Race, ethnicity, or nationality 

• Disability or neurodiversity 

• Religion or belief system 

• Sexual orientation 

• Social or educational background 

• Family or caregiving responsibilities 

• Indigenous identity or membership in a racialized/visible minority group 

• Any other protected characteristic under Quebec Human Rights Code, CHRA, or relevant provincial/territorial codes 

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We recognize that individuals may face multiple overlapping barriers and are committed to promoting inclusion and equity throughout our training programs. 

 

3.2 Accessibility and Reasonable Adjustments

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ED4S Academy ensures that learning environments and materials are accessible to all delegates: 

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• Training materials are provided in larger fonts and alternative formats on request 

• Venues are selected to ensure physical accessibility 

• E-learning modules include subtitles, audio narration, and screen reader compatibility 

• Booking systems collect information on special needs, and delegates are contacted prior to training to implement reasonable adjustments 

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Reasonable Adjustment Process:

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1. Delegate notifies ED4S of specific requirements during registration 

2. ED4S evaluates feasibility and identifies solutions 

3. Adjustments are implemented, monitored, and feedback is requested 

4. Responsibility for implementation lies with the Training Coordinator/DEI Lead

 

Digital accessibility aligns with WCAG 2.1 standards where applicable. 

 

3.3 Training and Professional Development

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ED4S Academy encourages all delegates and colleagues to participate fully in training, ensuring:

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• Equal access to learning resources 

• Opportunities for skill development regardless of personal circumstances 

• Inclusive teaching methods that respect diverse learning styles and cultural perspectives

 

In alignment with SDG 5 & SDG 10, ED4S supports: 

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• Gender equality in access to training and professional opportunities 

• Reduction of inequalities by promoting inclusive participation and representation 

 

3.4 Complaints and Grievances

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ED4S Academy treats all complaints of discrimination, harassment, or unfair treatment seriously.

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Process: 

1. Complaints can be submitted via email, phone, or in writing; anonymous complaints are accepted 

2. Acknowledgement is provided within 5 working days 

3. Investigations are conducted promptly and impartially 

4. Escalation to management or legal counsel occurs if required 

5. Complainants are protected against retaliation or victimization 

6. Outcomes and corrective actions are documented and communicated

 

This aligns with provincial and federal human rights protections. 

 

3.5 Governance and Accountability

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• The DEI Lead is responsible for policy implementation, monitoring, and review 

• Policies, procedures, and training are reviewed annually

• Delegates are invited to provide feedback to continuously improve inclusivity 

• Compliance with this policy is monitored through: 

  • Participation metrics and representation data (aligned with Employment Equity principles) 

  • Accessibility measures implemented 

  • Complaint and grievance records

• Alignment is ensured with the ED4S Sustainability Policy, Code of Conduct, and Data Protection Policy 

• DEI performance may be reported in accordance with GRI Standards (405 & 406) for transparency and accountability 

 

3.6 Legal and Regulatory Compliance
 

ED4S Academy ensures compliance with:

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• Quebec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms 

• Canadian Human Rights Act (CHRA), as applicable 

• ISO 26000 Social Responsibility principles 

• Accessibility standards (WCAG 2.1) 

• Employment Equity and inclusion best practices 

• Anti-discrimination, anti-harassment, and DEI regulations 

 

4. Continuous Improvement

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ED4S Academy is committed to:

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• Reviewing learning materials, venues, and digital platforms to enhance accessibility 

• Collecting delegate feedback to identify areas for improvement 

• Updating policies to reflect evolving DEI best practices, regulatory requirements, SDG alignment, and client expectation.