Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Policy

Mentorium Minds

Version: 2.0
Effective Date: 7 July 2026
Review Date: 7 July 2027

1. Purpose

Mentorium Minds is committed to providing mentoring and coaching services that are inclusive, accessible and free from discrimination.

We believe that every individual deserves to be treated with dignity, respect and fairness, and we celebrate the diversity of the people and communities we support.

This policy outlines our commitment to promoting equality, embracing diversity and fostering an inclusive environment across all aspects of our services.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all services delivered by Mentorium Minds, including:

  • Specialist Mentoring funded through Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA)

  • Workplace coaching and mentoring funded through Access to Work (ATW)

  • Privately funded mentoring services

It applies throughout all stages of service delivery, including:

  • Initial enquiries.

  • Assessments and support planning.

  • Delivery of mentoring and coaching sessions.

  • Communication with clients.

  • Record keeping.

  • Complaints handling.

  • Online and face-to-face services.

3. Commitment to Equality

Mentorium Minds is committed to ensuring that every client is treated fairly, respectfully and without discrimination.

No individual will receive less favourable treatment because of any protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010, including:

  • Age.

  • Disability.

  • Gender reassignment.

  • Marriage or civil partnership.

  • Pregnancy and maternity.

  • Race.

  • Religion or belief.

  • Sex.

  • Sexual orientation.

All reasonable steps will be taken to ensure services are delivered fairly and equitably.

4. Commitment to Diversity

Mentorium Minds values the unique experiences, perspectives and strengths that every individual brings.

We recognise that diversity extends beyond protected characteristics and includes differences in:

  • Neurotype and cognitive style.

  • Culture and ethnicity.

  • Communication preferences.

  • Educational background.

  • Employment experience.

  • Personal values and lived experience.

These differences are respected and recognised throughout service delivery.

5. Commitment to Inclusion

Mentorium Minds aims to create an environment in which every client feels welcomed, respected and able to participate fully.

This includes:

  • Respecting individual preferences and identities.

  • Adapting communication styles where appropriate.

  • Encouraging client autonomy and independence.

  • Avoiding assumptions about an individual's abilities or experiences.

  • Providing person-centred support that recognises each individual's strengths, goals and circumstances.

6. Accessibility

Reasonable adjustments will be made wherever practicable to ensure services are accessible.

Examples may include:

  • Adjusting communication methods.

  • Providing written information in accessible formats where possible.

  • Delivering sessions remotely where appropriate.

  • Adapting the structure or pace of sessions.

  • Allowing additional processing or response time.

  • Taking account of sensory, communication or executive functioning needs where appropriate.

Clients are encouraged to discuss any adjustments that would support their participation.

7. Neurodiversity-Affirming Practice

Mentorium Minds recognises neurodiversity as a natural and valuable aspect of human diversity.

Where services are provided to neurodivergent individuals, support is delivered using a strengths-based, neurodiversity-affirming approach.

This includes:

  • Respecting different ways of thinking, learning and communicating.

  • Focusing on strengths alongside areas of challenge.

  • Promoting self-understanding, confidence and self-advocacy.

  • Supporting clients to develop practical strategies that align with their individual needs and goals.

  • Avoiding deficit-based assumptions or language.

While Mentorium Minds has particular expertise in supporting neurodivergent individuals, all clients are treated with equal respect and receive an individualised, person-centred service.

8. Respectful Behaviour

Mentorium Minds is committed to maintaining a professional, respectful and inclusive environment.

Discrimination, harassment, bullying, intimidation or abusive behaviour will not be tolerated.

Where behaviour compromises the safety, wellbeing or dignity of those involved, appropriate action may be taken, including ending a session or terminating services where necessary.

9. Raising Concerns

Any concerns relating to discrimination, harassment or unequal treatment will be taken seriously.

Clients are encouraged to raise concerns as soon as possible.

All concerns will be managed in accordance with the Mentorium Minds Complaints Policy and investigated fairly, sensitively and without prejudice.

10. Continuous Improvement

Mentorium Minds is committed to continually improving the inclusivity and accessibility of its services.

This may include:

  • Seeking client feedback.

  • Reviewing policies and procedures.

  • Undertaking continuing professional development.

  • Keeping up to date with changes in legislation, guidance and best practice.

  • Reflecting on lived experiences shared by clients to improve service delivery.

11. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if required following changes in legislation, professional guidance or service delivery arrangements.

Approved by

Maryam Aslam
 Founder & Specialist Mentor
 Mentorium Minds

Date: 7 July 2026