This assignment describes the legislative requirements and codes of practice which are applicable in the Lifelong Learning profession and the importance, both for teacher and student, of meeting these requirements. Rules derived from Legislation have received Royal Assent and are enforceable through the court system. There are two types of Code of Practice: (i) a Statutory code of practice which has been approved by Parliament and is admissible in any legal action; and (ii) a Code of Practice which has been put in place by an organisation to outline how a person in a particular profession or situation is expected to behave. The Lifelong Learning profession has a duty to ensure all learners have a safe environment in which to learn and develop (Children Act 2004). The various Acts and Codes of Practice applicable to the Lifelong Learning profession seek to ensure this. Being aware of and meeting the legislative requirements is essential for the protection of both teachers and students. For example, this would include protection from discrimination (e.g. Race Relations Act 1976, Race Relation (amendment) 2000, Disability Discrimination Act 1995 and 2005), meeting the requirements of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 ensures a safe working environment and meeting the requirements of the Data Protection Act (1998) ensures that an institution processing information relating to individuals, including the obtaining, holding, use or disclosure of such information (Gravells 2008:19) does so within the correct legal framework.
There are generic requirements which are relevant to all teachers within the Lifelong Learning sector. These include the following: Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000, Disability Discrimination Act 1995 amended 2005, Children Act 2004 (Every Child Matters) and Data Protection Act 1998 as amended 2003.
Within my organisation, I work with young adults who, in some cases would be classed as ‘vulnerable...