Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

Slate Wine & Spirits Academy is committed to upholding the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion in all areas of our work. We aim to ensure that every instructor, employee, student, candidate, and event participant is treated fairly, respectfully, and equally at all times.

This policy applies to all Slate Wine & Spirits Academy staff and to any individual acting on behalf of the Academy in any capacity, whether in a classroom, at an event, or in an online environment. While WSET maintains its own diversity and equality policy for its qualifications, the commitments below apply to all of our educational programs, events, and business activities.

We are committed to:

• Promoting open access to WSET qualifications and all Slate Wine & Spirits Academy events, having regard to the legal minimum age for the retail purchase of alcohol and to assessment competence standards.
• Ensuring inclusivity in the format, content, and delivery of all courses, events, tastings, and materials, avoiding any unlawful discrimination on the grounds of disability, age, marriage and civil partnership, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.
• Providing reasonable accommodations for participants and students with special educational needs, disabilities, or temporary injuries—whether in assessments, classes, or events—without altering the integrity or core requirements of the program or activity.
• Monitoring and reviewing participation data (including age, gender, ethnicity, and access arrangements) where appropriate, in a non-attributable format, to help us identify and address any barriers to inclusion.
• Encouraging feedback on diversity, equity, and inclusion from instructors, employees, students, event participants, and partners, past and present.
• Collaborating with relevant organizations to develop and implement measures that identify, prevent, and address inequality of opportunity.
• Regularly reviewing this policy to ensure it meets legislative requirements, reflects best practices, and aligns with our organizational values.

Anyone who believes they have been unfairly discriminated against by Slate Wine & Spirits Academy—whether in the context of a course or an event—should contact the Academy Principal, Lee Pancake, at lee@slatewineacademy.com. For further guidance, please refer to our Complaints and Appeals policies.