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White Tip Sailing  |  Equality and Diversity Policy

Equality and Diversity Policy

White Tip Sailing (WTS)

Reviewed annually. Available at whitetipsailing.com

This policy applies to White Tip sailing Ltd and its sister companies: White Tip Race Academy Ltd and White Tip Racing Ltd

1. Purpose

White Tip Sailing is committed to fostering an inclusive, supportive working environment in which every individual is treated with dignity and respect. This policy sets out WTS’s approach to equality and diversity and confirms our commitment to eliminating unlawful discrimination in all its forms.

This policy applies to all WTS employees regardless of employment status, including full-time, part-time, temporary, and contracted staff. It also informs the way WTS engages with job applicants, students, customers, stakeholders, and funding agencies.

2. Protected Characteristics

WTS will not discriminate, directly or indirectly, on the grounds of any protected characteristic. These are:

• Age
• Disability
• Gender reassignment
• Marriage and civil partnership
• Pregnancy and maternity
• Race, ethnic origin, colour, or nationality
• Religion or belief
• Sex and sexual orientation

These characteristics are protected under the Equality Act 2010, with which this policy complies.

3. Our Commitments

WTS commits to the following principles in all aspects of its operations:

• Recognising and valuing the individual differences and contributions of every team member.
• Maintaining a working environment that promotes dignity and respect for all.
• Taking a zero-tolerance approach to intimidation, bullying, and harassment, and taking disciplinary action against any individual found to have breached this policy.
• Ensuring that opportunities for training, development, and progression are available to all staff on an equitable basis.
• Making all employment decisions — including recruitment, promotion, and access to benefits — on the basis of aptitude and ability alone.
• Encouraging any member of staff who believes they have been subject to discrimination to raise the matter so that WTS can take appropriate corrective action.
• Reviewing all employment practices and procedures at least annually to ensure fairness is maintained.

4. Responsibilities

Senior Management

This policy is fully supported by WTS Senior Management, who are responsible for ensuring it is implemented consistently across the organisation and that sufficient resources are made available to do so.

All Employees

Every member of staff is required to comply with this policy, to treat colleagues, students, and visitors with dignity and respect, and to support an inclusive working environment. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action.

Communication

WTS will ensure that all employees are made aware of this policy and understand their obligations under it. The policy will also be communicated to funding agencies, stakeholders, customers, students, and job applicants as appropriate.

5. Raising a Concern

Any member of staff with a concern relating to equality, diversity, or discrimination should raise the matter in the first instance with the Quality Assurance Manager.

If that is not possible, or if the staff member is not satisfied with the outcome, the matter should be referred to the Director.

WTS will not tolerate any form of retaliation against a member of staff who raises a genuine concern in good faith.

6. Monitoring and Review

This policy will be reviewed annually by Senior Management to ensure it remains current, effective, and aligned with applicable legislation. Any revisions will be communicated to all staff.

White Tip Sailing  |  Reasonable Adjustments Policy

Reasonable Adjustments Policy

White Tip Sailing (WTS)

Reviewed annually. Available at whitetipsailing.com

1. Purpose

White Tip Sailing is committed to ensuring that candidates with disabilities or other additional needs are not placed at a significant disadvantage during training or assessment. This policy sets out the circumstances in which WTS will make reasonable adjustments to its assessment methods, and the process by which such adjustments are agreed and applied.

Adjustments will be made wherever it is reasonable and practicable to do so. In all cases, the standard, quality, and integrity of the relevant course syllabus and assessment criteria will be maintained.

 

2. Scope

This policy applies to all WTS training courses that include a formal assessment element, including those leading to the award of RYA course completion certificates.

RYA course completion certificates are issued when a candidate demonstrates, by the end of a training course, sufficient understanding and practical ability across the elements detailed in the relevant syllabus. Reasonable adjustments may be made to the assessment methodology for such awards, subject to the conditions set out in this policy.

 

3. What Constitutes a Reasonable Adjustment

A reasonable adjustment is any modification to standard assessment arrangements that removes or reduces a substantial disadvantage for a candidate with a disability or additional need, without compromising the integrity of the assessment.

Adjustments are determined on a case-by-case basis by the Principal or Chief Instructor. Examples of adjustments that may be approved include:

• Allowing additional time to complete written tests or tasks.
• Providing the services of a scribe for written assessments.
• Accepting verbal responses to written questions, provided these are formally recorded.
• Permitting the use of transcribed or adapted materials to support a candidate’s preparation for, or participation in, assessment.
• Using visual aids (such as video) to support formal questions, for example to assist in identifying medical conditions.
• Allowing the use of a translator or sign language interpreter during assessment preparation or the assessment itself.
• Adapting the layout or location of the assessment area to ensure physical access.

This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. WTS will consider any adjustment that is reasonable in the circumstances and consistent with the requirements of the relevant syllabus.

4. Requesting and Agreeing an Adjustment

Making a request

Candidates requiring a reasonable adjustment are encouraged to make their need known to WTS as early as possible, ideally at the point of enrolment. Early notification allows sufficient time to arrange appropriate support before the assessment takes place.

Decision and agreement

All requests for reasonable adjustments will be considered by the Principal or Chief Instructor, who will determine the appropriate adjustment in consultation with the candidate. The agreed adjustment will be documented prior to assessment.

Where agreement cannot be reached

Where WTS is unable to agree an appropriate reasonable adjustment, the matter will be referred to the relevant awarding organisation for further advice and guidance. WTS will act in accordance with any recommendations received.

 

5. Maintaining Assessment Standards

All reasonable adjustments are subject to the overriding requirement that assessment criteria are fully met and that the standards of the relevant award are upheld. No adjustment will be permitted that would misrepresent a candidate’s competence or undermine the validity of the qualification.

This policy should be read alongside WTS’s Equality and Diversity Policy.

White Tip Sailing  |  whitetipsailing.com​

White Tip Sailing  |  Health & Safety Policy

Health & Safety Policy

White Tip Sailing Ltd (WTS)

Reviewed annually. Available at whitetipsailing.com

1. Purpose and Scope

White Tip Sailing Ltd is a progressive RYA-approved training organisation offering a range of shore-based and practical courses to organisations and members of the public.

This policy sets out WTS’s commitment to health and safety and applies to all aspects of our work, including all premises, training activities, and operational functions. It covers all employees (full-time, part-time, and freelance), students, and visitors.

WTS is committed to providing a safe working and training environment, to meeting all applicable local and national health and safety legislation, and to ensuring that equality of opportunity underpins everything we do.

 

2. Health & Safety Policy Statement

WTS recognises its responsibility to eliminate unnecessary risk and hazards in the course of running the organisation. We are committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all staff, students, and visitors — as far as is reasonably practicable — at all times.

We will achieve this by maintaining high standards of occupational health and safety performance, allocating adequate resources to implement this policy and its supporting procedures, and fostering a culture in which health and safety is understood to be a shared responsibility across the whole workforce.

 

3. Responsibilities

Management

Senior Management is responsible for ensuring this policy is implemented effectively, that sufficient resources are provided to do so, and that all staff are informed of their health and safety obligations.

All Staff

Health and safety is a responsibility shared by all WTS staff, whether employed or freelance. Every member of staff is required to comply with this policy, follow safe working procedures, and report any hazards, incidents, or concerns promptly.

 

4. Risk Assessments

WTS maintains a programme of risk assessments covering all significant hazards arising from its activities. Assessments are documented and reviewed on a regular basis. The programme includes:

• General risk assessments of all premises and equipment.
• Activity-based risk assessments for all training activities.
• Manual handling assessments for all lifting and handling tasks.
• Fire risk assessments for all premises.
• Individual risk assessments for any staff member or student who requires adjustments to enable them to undertake their role or course safely.

Risk assessments are reviewed whenever a relevant change in activity, personnel, or environment occurs, and at least annually as part of the policy review cycle.

5. Safe Working Procedures

WTS develops and maintains written occupational health and safety procedures and safe working protocols for all relevant activities. These procedures are made available to all staff and are kept under review.

All staff are expected to familiarise themselves with the procedures relevant to their role and to follow them at all times.

 

6. Feedback and Continuous Improvement

WTS actively seeks feedback from staff, students, and clients to inform the ongoing improvement of its health and safety arrangements. Feedback is gathered at the following touchpoints where practicable:

• Recruitment and selection
• Initial assessment and induction
• Assessment and planning
• Learner reviews
• Internal and external verification
• Examinations
• Exit interviews

Feedback gathered through these channels is considered as part of the annual policy review.

7. Monitoring and Review

This policy is reviewed annually by Senior Management to ensure it remains current and effective. Any material changes will be communicated to all staff, students, and relevant third parties.

This policy is available to all employees, freelancers, students, and stakeholders and is published on the WTS website.

White Tip Sailing  |  Student Appeals Policy

Student Appeals Policy

White Tip Sailing (WTS)

Available 24/7 at whitetipsailing.com

1. Overview

White Tip Sailing is committed to delivering the training and coaching set out in each course. However, not all students will pass every course, and WTS reserves the right to make assessment decisions in accordance with its standards.

This policy explains how students may formally appeal against an assessment decision, the grounds on which appeals are accepted, and the process WTS will follow to reach a fair and timely outcome.

Please note: inadequate preparation or failure to meet the stated prerequisites for a course do not constitute grounds for appeal. Both are the student’s responsibility and are detailed in the joining instructions and on the WTS website.

2. Scope and Eligibility

This policy applies to all students currently registered on a WTS course that includes assessment and/or certification.

Students under 18

A parent or legal guardian may submit an appeal on behalf of a student under the age of 18.

Third-party representatives

Appeals from any third party acting on behalf of a student aged 18 or over will only be considered if the student provides written authorisation naming that representative. This authorisation must be received within four weeks of the date on which the result in question was notified.

3. What Constitutes an Appeal

For the purposes of this policy, an appeal is a formal request to review a specific assessment decision, submitted on one or more of the grounds set out in Section 5 below.

An appeal is distinct from a complaint. Complaints relate to concerns about the quality or delivery of a service and are handled separately under the WTS Complaints Policy (see the standard Terms and Conditions).

4. Appeal Stages

The appeals procedure operates in two stages. Students are expected to attempt informal resolution before progressing to a formal appeal.

Stage 1 – Early Resolution

In the first instance, the student should raise the matter directly with the relevant instructor or assessor. WTS aims to resolve most concerns at this stage through a face-to-face discussion. Where appropriate, the resolution may include an offer to repeat the assessment.

If the matter cannot be resolved informally, or if the nature of the case makes informal resolution inappropriate, the student may proceed to Stage 2.

Stage 2 – Formal Appeal

If Stage 1 does not resolve the matter, the student may submit a formal written appeal in accordance with the guidance in Section 6 below. WTS will provide a written outcome at the conclusion of this stage.

The decision of the Principal at Stage 2 is ordinarily final. WTS will consider guidance from relevant external bodies (such as the RYA) where appropriate, but no third party has the authority to overturn the decision.

5. Grounds for Appeal

Appeals will only be considered where a student has reasonable grounds, for example:

• Performance in an assessment was materially affected by mitigating circumstances that were not disclosed at the time.
• There is evidence of a procedural or administrative error in the conduct or recording of the assessment.
• The student believes the assessment decision was not made in accordance with WTS’s published criteria.

Disagreement with an assessor’s professional judgement alone does not constitute valid grounds.

6. Submitting a Stage 2 Appeal

Deadline

A Stage 2 appeal must be submitted in writing within two weeks of the date on which the assessment result was notified. Failure to meet this deadline, or failure to provide supplementary evidence when requested in a timely manner, may result in the case being closed without further consideration.

Required content

All Stage 2 appeals must be submitted in writing and must include:

• The assessment result being appealed and the date it was received.
• A description of any informal steps already taken to resolve the matter (Stage 1).
• The specific grounds for appeal.
• All supporting evidence (see note below).
• The outcome the student considers appropriate and why.

All evidence must be included at the time of submission. Withholding evidence may impair WTS’s ability to investigate the appeal and could result in the case being concluded without further consideration.

How to submit

Written appeals may be submitted by post or email using the contact details published on the WTS website. Submission of an appeal will have no negative effect on any subsequent bookings with WTS.

7. Timescales

WTS will make every reasonable effort to adhere to the following timescales:

• Stage 1: Addressed as promptly as possible following the student raising the matter.
• Stage 2: WTS aims to conclude a formal appeal within four weeks of receipt. Where a case is particularly complex, or where WTS centre closures affect availability, the student will be notified of any extension.

 

8. Investigation and Possible Outcomes

The Principal will appoint a person to handle each Stage 2 appeal. That person will conduct an investigation, compile a report, and present findings with a recommended outcome to the Senior Management team.

The Senior Management team will consider the investigation and may determine one of the following outcomes, which will be communicated to the student in writing:

• Reaffirmation of the original decision.
• An amended recommendation following review.
• Acknowledgement of an administrative error and revision of the original outcome.
• Permission for the student to undertake a further assessment, where this is considered appropriate.

Students should be aware that an appeal will not always result in the outcome they have requested.

9. Confidentiality

All information relating to an appeal will be treated in confidence and disclosed only to those involved in the investigation, or as required by law.

Where WTS considers it necessary, information may be shared with a relevant governing or regulatory body (for example, the RYA). Where a disclosure raises a safeguarding concern, WTS reserves the right to involve appropriate professionals.

Any confidential third-party documentation submitted as evidence (for example, medical records relating to another person) must be accompanied by written consent from the individual concerned.

No individual with a material interest in a case, or where an actual or potential conflict of interest exists, will be permitted to be involved in its consideration.

WTS will not discuss the result of another student with a third party.

10. Frivolous or Vexatious Appeals

An appeal may be referred to the Director if it is considered to be frivolous or vexatious. This includes, but is not limited to, appeals that are:

• Obsessive, persistent, harassing, prolific, or repetitious.
• Seeking unrealistic or unmeritorious outcomes beyond all reason.
• Pursuing a potentially meritorious case in an unreasonable or disruptive manner.
• Designed to cause disruption or annoyance rather than to seek genuine redress.
• Lacking any serious purpose or value.

 

11. Externally Assessed Courses

A minority of WTS courses are assessed by independent examiners who are not employed by WTS. Where this is the case, WTS does not have the authority to investigate or overturn the examiner’s decision.

In these circumstances WTS will, at Stage 2, either refer the appeal to the examining body directly or advise the student to do so. The RYA Yachtmaster examination is an example: assessment is conducted entirely by an independent RYA examiner and falls outside WTS’s jurisdiction.

12. Feedback on This Policy

WTS is committed to continuous improvement. Any feedback on this policy or the appeals process is welcome and will be considered as part of our ongoing review.

 

White Tip Sailing  |  Sustainability & Environmental Policy

SUSTAINABILITY & ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY

WHITE TIP SAILING (WTS)

Reviewed annually. Available at whitetipsailing.com

This policy applies to White Tip sailing Ltd and its sister companies: White Tip Race Academy Ltd and White Tip Racing Ltd

1. OUR COMMITMENT

White Tip Sailing operates on the Solent, and the health of the marine environment is fundamental to everything we do. As sailors, we witness the effects of pollution, habitat degradation, and irresponsible boating practice at first hand. That direct experience shapes our approach to environmental stewardship.

This policy sets out WTS’s commitment to reducing our environmental impact across all aspects of our operations — from the classroom and the office to the marina and open water. It applies to all WTS staff (employed and freelance), students, charter guests, and anyone acting on our behalf.

WTS is committed to compliance with all applicable environmental legislation and, wherever practicable, to exceeding its minimum requirements.

2. ON THE WATER

Fuel and pollution prevention

All WTS vessels are refuelled safely and in accordance with marina and harbour authority guidelines. All skippers and instructors are required to be trained in spill prevention procedures. Fuel, oil, and bilge waste are managed and disposed of using approved methods. No polluting substances are knowingly discharged into the marine environment.

Water conservation

Hoses are fitted with automatic trigger nozzles. Taps and freshwater systems on board are monitored and turned off when not in use. Students are encouraged to adopt responsible water use practices as part of their seamanship training.

Marine environment awareness

WTS shares relevant local environmental information with students and guests as part of standard briefings. This includes voluntary no-anchor zones, sensitive seabed habitats, and protected species in the Solent area. Students are encouraged to report unusual sightings or environmental concerns to the relevant authorities.

WTS does not permit the discharge of waste, plastics, or untreated sewage overboard.

3. IN THE OFFICE

Energy use

WTS is committed to reducing energy consumption in its premises. Lighting and equipment are switched off when not in use. All lighting has been upgraded to energy-efficient LED models. Energy consumption is monitored and reduction targets are set as part of the annual policy review.

Paper and print

Printing and photocopying are used only when necessary. Double-sided printing is the default. Course materials are provided digitally wherever possible, and physical handouts are being progressively replaced with online equivalents.

Waste and recycling

Clearly labelled recycling facilities are provided throughout WTS premises. Waste collections are increased during peak periods. Staff are expected to segregate recyclable materials correctly and to minimise single-use waste.

Procurement

When sourcing goods and services, WTS considers the environmental credentials of suppliers alongside quality and cost. We favour suppliers with demonstrable sustainability commitments and encourage those in our network to adopt responsible practices.

4. MAINTENANCE AND CLEANING

Hazardous and waste materials

All hazardous waste — including used oils, antifouling materials, batteries, and contaminated bilge water — is stored in marina-approved containers and disposed of through licensed facilities. WTS does not permit the disposal of hazardous materials via surface drains, surface water, or the marine environment.

Cleaning products

Environmentally friendly cleaning products are used wherever practicable when cleaning WTS vessels and premises. Products are selected on the basis of biodegradability, low toxicity, and suitability for use in and around water.

5. RESPONSIBILITIES

Environmental responsibility is shared across the whole WTS organisation. Specific responsibilities are as follows:

• Senior Management is responsible for ensuring this policy is implemented, resourced, and reviewed.
• All staff — employed and freelance — are required to comply with this policy and to promote environmental awareness in their day-to-day activities.
• Instructors are responsible for briefing students on environmental matters relevant to their course and for modelling responsible practice on the water.
• Students and guests are expected to respect the marine environment and to follow WTS guidance on responsible boating practice.

Failure by staff to comply with this policy may be addressed under WTS disciplinary procedures.

6. MONITORING AND REVIEW

This policy is reviewed annually by Senior Management. The review will assess progress against the commitments set out above, identify areas for improvement, and set objectives for the coming year. Any material changes will be communicated to all staff and made available on the WTS website.

WTS welcomes suggestions from staff, students, partners, and the wider sailing community. If you have ideas for how we can reduce our environmental impact, please contact us at info@whitetipsailing.com.

White Tip Sailing  |  whitetipsailing.com​