NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Equality and Diversity

Introduction

The NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Equality and Diversity has been accredited by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) and is part of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). Its Qualification Accreditation Number is 100/4425/5. This qualification is therefore fundable under the Learning and Skills Act 2000 under Sections 96 and 97. Its Learning Aim Code is 10044255. For further guidance on funding, please contact your local Learning and Skills Council.

The changing and diverse nature of our communities poses many challenges for individuals, groups and employers throughout the UK. In order to allow the social inclusion of all people in society there is a need to bring equality, diversity and rights issues into the mainstream so that they are no longer viewed as something only affecting ‘minority' groups. Those affected by stereotyping, prejudice and discrimination are not the minority. The government white paper ‘Fairness for All' (DTI, May 2004) notes that 8% of the UK population are from different ethnic backgrounds and 22% are disabled adults. Add to these figures the number of people affected by prejudice and discrimination around for example sex, age, religion, sexual orientation, then it is clear that many individuals in the population could be the subject of unfair treatment at some point in their lives, whether in education, employment or accessing goods and services.

The aim of the NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Equality and Diversity is to give learners an introduction to the issues around stereotyping, prejudice and discrimination, to identify the basic rights that all people should enjoy and the shared values people have, and to examine the responsibility each person and organisation has in ensuring that barriers to participation in society are removed.

The qualification has been developed in association with Tribal Learning and Publishing specialist publishers of distance learning materials. Tribal Learning and Publishing is part of the Tribal Group plc which provides professional support services to the Education, Health and Local Government sectors and to the wider public and private sectors in the UK.

Guided learning hours (GLH): up to 120
NQF Level: 2
Assessment requirements: Internally assessed and externally moderated workbook

The qualification consists of 3 mandatory units:

• Unit 01 Explore equality and diversity
• Unit 02 Explore prejudice and discrimination
• Unit 03 Explore people's rights and responsibilities

Learners must successfully complete all 3 mandatory units to be awarded the NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Equality and Diversity.

Unit Summaries

Unit 01: Explore equality and diversity (QCA Unit No. L/102/6739)

In this unit learners will be introduced to the concepts of equality and diversity and gain an understanding of why promoting equality and diversity in the workplace and in the wider community is important. Learners will also gain a basic understanding of how personal and social identities are formed and the way in which these can influence an individual's attitudes, beliefs and values.

The unit has 4 elements:

• Element 1.1 Know the meaning of equality and diversity
• Element 1.2 Understand the link between personal and social identity
• Element 1.3 Understand the importance of attitudes, beliefs and values
• Element 1.4 Understand why promoting equality and diversity in the workplace is important

This unit is mandatory and accounts for 60 hours of the total recommended guided learning hours.

Unit 02: Explore prejudice and discrimination (QCA Unit No. F/102/6740)

In this unit learners will be introduced to stereotyping, labelling, prejudice and discrimination and the effects that these can have on individuals or groups within society.

The unit has 2 elements:

• Element 2.1 Understand stereotyping and labelling and their effects
• Element 2.2 Understand prejudice and discrimination and their effects

This unit is mandatory and accounts for 40 hours of the total recommended guided learning hours.

Unit 03: Explore peoples rights and responsibilities (QCA Unit No. J/102/6741)

In this unit learners will be introduced to the concept of rights and responsibilities, why rights are important and how the rights of different groups and individuals may conflict. Learners will also investigate the types of organisations that can offer advice and support on people's rights.

The unit has one element:

• Element 3.1 Explore people's rights and responsibilities

This unit is mandatory and accounts for 20 hours of the total recommended guided learning hours.

Aims and Objectives

The qualification aims to:

• Introduce the concept of equality and diversity
• Highlight how stereotyping and labelling affect individuals and groups
• Outline the effects of prejudice and discrimination
• Examine the rights and responsibilities of individuals and groups
• Stress the importance of taking individual responsibility and action to help and support others
• Promote good practice in the community and/or workplace
• Provide a basis for further study and/or career development The objectives of the qualification are to help learners to:
• Raise their awareness of the issues surrounding equality and diversity
• Demonstrate this awareness through their actions in the home, community and workplace

Progression Opportunities

The NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Equality and Diversity aims to provide progression towards:

• NCFE Certificates in Key Skills at Levels 2 and 3
• Level 2 qualifications in Youth Work
• Level 2 qualifications in Community Development Work
• Level 2 qualifications in Health and Social Care
• Level 2 qualifications in Customer Service
• Level 2 qualifications in Early Years Care and Education

Internal Assessment

Assessment is the process of measuring a candidate's skill, knowledge and understanding against the standards set in the qualification.

The NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Equality and Diversity is internally assessed. A candidate workbook covering 100% of the learning outcomes of this qualification is produced by NCFE. NCFE issues one workbook per candidate to centres upon candidate registration. Each candidate is required to complete the workbook, which includes a variety of short and long answer questions. All candidate workbooks must be 100% assessed by an Assessor using the Assessor Guidance Pack provided by NCFE. A reasonable sample of the workbooks must then be assessed by an Internal Moderator to ensure consistency with national standards. The Internal Moderator must be independent from the delivery of the qualification. They must also employ a satisfactory sampling strategy to ensure all units and all Assessors are sampled over a defined period of time. The centre's appointed External Moderator will provide advice on sampling strategies if required.

Assessors must be satisfied that candidates have achieved all learning outcomes related to the unit being assessed prior to deciding whether candidates have been successful. Assessors are also responsible for supporting candidates through the assessment process.

Where a candidate fails to meet the required standards, the candidate may resubmit work within their registration period until the Assessor and Internal and External Moderators are satisfied that the candidate has met the standards.

Additional activities and evidence gathering can be used by centres, if required, to support candidates to complete their workbook. However, only the candidate workbook is formally assessed for achievement of this qualification.

The assessment arrangements for this qualification are in accordance with the criteria set out by the regulatory authorities.