Equality and Diversity
These pages contain information about how Equality and Diversity is managed at West Suffolk College and how the College aims to meet its duties arising under the Equality Act 2010
The College’s Mission Statement is that the primary purpose of West Suffolk College is to provide excellent education and training, developing skills that contribute to the success of the individual and economy.
The College’s values statement is that the College community endeavours to respect each individual at the College, supports every student and every member of staff, values the contribution made by everyone to the life of the College, praises the work and achievement of each student and each member of staff and takes pride in every aspect of our College.
In 20010/11 our student enrolment was 18,738; 2466 of these
were full-time, 6975 were part-time and 900 were apprentices. We work
with all of our local upper schools and have 804 School Link students
who come to the College on one or two days a week.
In addition to Full-time, Part-time and Adult Education, we
have a large contract for Apprenticeships and training for businesses.
In support of these programmes we work with more than 1500 employers and
in 2010/11 delivered a substantial volume of full cost courses to
employers. We are a member of University Campus Suffolk and provide full
and part-time degree courses for around 771 students. Our annual
graduation is held in the Cathedral, and is a very important day for our
students and the town alike.
A recent investigation into the socioeconomic impact of the
College has identified a £193.2 million benefit to the region. For more
information on the socioeconomic impact of West Suffolk College, click
here.
West Suffolk College takes great care to ensure the recruitment and selection of students, their admission to the appropriate course, their learning, teaching and assessment is fair and free from unlawful discrimination.
The College employs 481 permanent and fixed term staff. A range of employment-related policies and procedures have been developed which demonstrate our commitment to equality and diversity. Training and development in equality and diversity is provided to staff to ensure that they understand our commitment to equality and are able to operate our policies and procedures confidently and competently.
Equality and Diversity Policies and Monitoring
West Suffolk College collects and monitors data relating to staff and learners to understand and, if necessary, address the effects of our policies and procedures.
West Suffolk College collects and monitors data relating to staff and learners to understand and, if necessary, address the effects of our policies and procedures.
We are developing the collection of our staff and student data to cover all the protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010. The results of this will be shown in the analysis of staff and student data for 2011-12. The next analysis of student data showing retention and achievement should be published in November 2012.
Managing Equality and Diversity
Responsibility for Equality and Diversity at West Suffolk College lies with the Principal, with day to day management undertaken by the Equality and Diversity coordinator. The Equality Board is chaired by the coordinator. The Board is supported by three sub-committees of staff and students dealing respectively with Disability and Age, all Gender issues and Race Religion and Belief.
Suggestions, compliments and complaints about equality matters should be directed to Dr Ann Williams, Principal.
Please click the links below for other policies and documents related to equality and diversity:
Click here to view our Safeguarding Policies