Beacon Award Commended College Synopses 2022/23 - The National Centre for Diversity Award for Inclusive Leadership

Coleg Cambria

The college recognised that whilst we have effective processes, support and interventions to assist our learners with their additional learning needs, we were not identifying or supporting neurodivergent staff in the same way. As a result, we created the Additional Staff Support at Coleg Cambria (ASSCC) programme. Specialist Tutors offer all staff initial assessments and screenings similar to those offered to learners. This helps staff understand their own ways of working and learning and how neurodiversity manifests within themselves. This work is supported by tailored support strategies and interventions that remove barriers, increase wellbeing and enable staff to thrive within their roles. This inclusive approach takes place on all levels of the staff journey, from offering support and adjustment at interviews, to putting in effective interventions in performance management. The College also provides staff with a comprehensive training programme in neurodiversity and inclusive classroom strategies. This supports not only their own development but also enables inclusive teaching and learning that is ‘good for all learners, but essential for some’

Bedford College Group

For nearly a decade, this College has led the way in championing diversity and inclusion, putting it firmly at the heart of the organisation and embedding it within their corporate culture. In 2013 the College created its first Equality, Diversity and Inclusion role and by 2019 it had become the only UK college to achieve the Stonewall Silver Award. In December 2021 it was the first college to be awarded Gold from Stonewall for its LGBTQ+ inclusion work on campus and in the community. The extensive work this College has undertaken includes making EDI training compulsory for every new member of staff, providing all employees with ongoing access to professional development in this area, regularly sharing LGBTQ+ strategies with other settings, and hosting a range of LGBTQ+ groups, forums and activities for staff and students. This includes LGBTQ+ Support Advocates, who are trained to deal with specific LGBTQ+ student issues. The College is now using this best practice approach and applying it to inclusion work for other protected characteristics, focusing next on race equality.