1. Purpose & principles
The Foundation aims to make learning, training and careers activity accessible to people from a wide range of backgrounds, especially those who are under-represented in environmental, animal care, technology and farming sectors.
Our approach is guided by the following principles:
- Fairness – people are treated consistently and decisions are based on clear, relevant criteria.
- Inclusion – we design programmes and environments that welcome different experiences, identities and starting points.
- Transparency – we explain what we are offering, who it is for and how decisions are made.
- Proportionality – any requirements or restrictions are no more onerous than they need to be.
2. Who we aim to reach
HEADTURNED learning and careers activity is intended to support:
- young people exploring future study and work routes;
- adults looking to retrain or change direction;
- people living near Sanctuary, farming or conservation projects;
- people who are under-represented in nature, science, agriculture, technology and creative industries;
- professionals who want to align their skills with climate, animal welfare or conservation work.
Programmes may focus on particular groups—for example, young people in specific regions or adults changing careers. Where this is the case, we explain why and how those decisions support our mission and funding conditions.
3. Eligibility & entry criteria
Each activity or programme sets out its eligibility criteria in plain language. These may include, for example:
- minimum or maximum age ranges;
- location or travel radius where onsite attendance is required;
- health, safety or legal requirements relevant to specific environments (for example, animal handling or lab access);
- prior knowledge or experience where genuinely necessary for advanced activity.
We avoid unnecessary barriers. Where possible, we provide introductory options for people who do not yet meet requirements for more advanced programmes.
4. Selection, prioritisation & waiting lists
Some programmes have more demand than places. When selection is required, we:
- apply criteria that are clearly linked to the purpose of the programme (for example, stage of education, career interest, location);
- may prioritise individuals or communities currently under-served by similar opportunities;
- use short, focused forms or conversations rather than lengthy application processes wherever possible;
- maintain simple, time-limited waiting lists where programmes are oversubscribed.
Where someone is not offered a place, we aim to signpost them to future opportunities or alternative routes where we can.
5. Financial barriers, fees & support
We aim to keep participation as affordable as possible, especially where programmes serve people facing financial barriers. Depending on funding and context, activities may be:
- free at the point of use;
- low-cost, with fee waivers or bursaries available;
- supported through travel, equipment or subsistence contributions, where resources allow.
Any costs, bursaries or support schemes are described clearly in programme information. We do not require participants to disclose more personal financial information than is reasonably necessary to administer this support.
6. Inclusion, respect & anti-discrimination
HEADTURNED does not tolerate discrimination, harassment or bullying in any learning or careers setting. This includes discrimination based on (for example) age, disability, race, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion or belief, socio-economic background, or any other protected or personal characteristic.
We expect staff, volunteers, partners and participants to:
- use respectful language and behaviour;
- listen to, and make space for, different lived experiences;
- challenge stereotypes and assumptions constructively;
- raise concerns early if an environment feels exclusionary or unsafe for themselves or others.
Serious concerns may be addressed under our Safeguarding, Complaints & Feedback or relevant HR/partner procedures.
7. Accessibility & reasonable adjustments
We encourage participants to tell us about access, health or support needs that may affect their participation. We will consider reasonable adjustments such as:
- adjusted schedules, rest breaks or pacing;
- alternative formats for written materials;
- supportive seating or layout changes;
- adapted tasks or roles, where this does not compromise safety, welfare or the core purpose of the activity;
- online or hybrid options where appropriate.
Some environments—such as specific animal, lab or farming settings—may have limitations. Where adjustments are not possible for safety or legal reasons, we are open about this and, where we can, explore alternative opportunities.
8. Data, privacy & decision-making
Where we collect personal information to support fair access—such as postcode, school/college, or optional demographic information—we:
- explain why each piece of information is requested;
- store and handle it securely, in line with our Privacy Notice;
- use aggregated or anonymised data where possible when monitoring reach and impact;
- limit access to identifiable information to staff and volunteers who need it for operational reasons.
Decisions about access or selection are never based solely on automated processes. Human judgement is always involved.
9. Working with partners
Many programmes will be delivered with schools, colleges, universities, employers or community organisations. Where this happens, we aim to ensure that:
- partners understand and support our approach to fair access and inclusion;
- any additional eligibility or selection requirements are compatible with our principles and funding conditions;
- responsibilities for recruitment, selection, safeguarding and support are clearly agreed.
Where partner policies differ from ours, we will be transparent about how they apply to specific programmes.
10. Feedback, challenge & ongoing review
We welcome feedback from participants, partners and staff on how fair and inclusive our learning and careers activity feels in practice. This helps us identify where barriers still exist and what we can do differently.
Concerns or complaints about access, selection or inclusion can be raised informally with the programme team or formally under our Complaints & Feedback Policy.
This Policy will be reviewed regularly, including as we learn from lived experience, monitoring data, partner input and the growth of our learning and careers work.