THE ASCENT ACADEMIES' TRUST
Action plan 2026 to 2027
Contents
1. Introduction
What is an action plan?
Employers with 250 or more employees can produce and publish a voluntary action plan alongside their gender pay gap data. Their action plan shows the steps they are taking to address their gender pay gap and support employees experiencing menopause. Subject to legislation, these will be mandatory from spring 2027.
To create their action plan, the employer reviews a list of evidence-informed actions recommended by the government. They identify any that are already an established part of their working practice (‘embedded actions’), and choose at least 2 new actions to focus on (‘planned actions’).
You can see the full list of actions (opens in a new window) and guidance for employers on creating an action plan (opens in a new window).
Read THE ASCENT ACADEMIES' TRUST’s equality policies or strategy (opens their website in a new window)
2. Planned actions
THE ASCENT ACADEMIES' TRUST has committed to working on these actions in the 2026 to 2027 reporting year:
Advertise leave policies in job adverts
About this action (Advertise leave policies in job adverts)
Read more about the action: Advertise leave policies in job adverts (opens in a new window)
THE ASCENT ACADEMIES' TRUST said:
We currently highlight some of our most attractive family-friendly benefits, such as enhanced maternity leave, annual leave, free parking and more within job advertisements. However, we recognise that candidates may also value other forms of support, including parental leave, carers' leave, compassionate leave and other flexible leave provisions. We have will review how we promote these benefits externally.
Advertise flexible working arrangements in job adverts
About this action (Advertise flexible working arrangements in job adverts)
Read more about the action: Advertise flexible working arrangements in job adverts (opens in a new window)
THE ASCENT ACADEMIES' TRUST said:
We recognise that flexible working can be a key factor in attracting and retaining a diverse workforce. As part of our ongoing review of recruitment practices, we will look to further promote the flexible working opportunities available across our roles. By increasing visibility of these arrangements, we aim to attract a broader range of candidates and support greater inclusion from the earliest stage of the recruitment process.
3. Embedded actions
THE ASCENT ACADEMIES' TRUST has indicated that the following actions are already an established part of their working practice.
Make job descriptions inclusive
About this action (Make job descriptions inclusive)
Read more about the action: Make job descriptions inclusive (opens in a new window)
Encourage applications from a range of candidates
About this action (Encourage applications from a range of candidates)
Read more about the action: Encourage applications from a range of candidates (opens in a new window)
Reduce unconscious bias in CV screening
About this action (Reduce unconscious bias in CV screening)
Read more about the action: Reduce unconscious bias in CV screening (opens in a new window)
Use fair and structured interview techniques
About this action (Use fair and structured interview techniques)
Read more about the action: Use fair and structured interview techniques (opens in a new window)
Train managers to support employees experiencing menopause
About this action (Train managers to support employees experiencing menopause)
Read more about the action: Train managers to support employees experiencing menopause (opens in a new window)
Set up menopause support groups and networks
About this action (Set up menopause support groups and networks)
Read more about the action: Set up menopause support groups and networks (opens in a new window)
Offer workplace adjustments to employees experiencing menopause
About this action (Offer workplace adjustments to employees experiencing menopause)
Read more about the action: Offer workplace adjustments to employees experiencing menopause (opens in a new window)
Review policies and procedures to meet the needs of employees experiencing menopause
About this action (Review policies and procedures to meet the needs of employees experiencing menopause)
Read more about the action: Review policies and procedures to meet the needs of employees experiencing menopause (opens in a new window)
4. About THE ASCENT ACADEMIES' TRUST
- Registered address
- 6 Defender Court, Sunderland Enterprise Park, Sunderland, Tyne & Wear, England, SR5 3PE
- Sector
- Education