Huddersfield New College has been awarded the Level 3 Leaders in Diversity award by the National Centre for Diversity (NCFD). This follows the College being awarded the ‘Investors in Diversity’ award in December 2011. The prestigious award means that the College is one of only a handful of colleges in the UK to be recognised for its work in promoting equality, diversity and inclusion.
The College is well known for its work in this area, and has a dedicated team of staff who work hard to ensure that college stakeholders are engaged with current issues via a variety of platforms, including online awareness raising and events, such as an annual diversity conference. Members of the College’s Equality and Diversity team also hold regular training sessions for staff, partners and contractors, where themes around equality and diversity are explored.
As a college, we feel that having a diverse and inclusive campus and curriculum are imperative in supporting our staff and students to achieve their potential, and we are pleased that this was evident throughout the evaluation. Our mission embodies everything that we value about embracing individuality and difference.
During the inspection, Jo Barton, NCFD Advisor, “received very favourable feedback” regarding the College’s commitment to equality and diversity, with quotes such as “People are inclusive, you never feel like you are on your own”, “It is how we are, it is a good inclusive place” and “I love working here” being sentiments that were repeated by staff and students alike.
With such a positive view of EDI on campus, the Leaders in Diversity report’s closing remarks are that the College is “a welcoming, accessible and inclusive College which provides a friendly, respectful and supportive environment for everyone, whether students, staff, visitors and partners… HNC It is a flagship College for EDI (equality, diversity and inclusion).”
Zoe Shackleton, Assistant Principal for Staffing & Equality and Diversity, said “We are delighted to have achieved this award. It is testament to the hard work and commitment of our staff who go the extra mile every day to honour and uphold the College’s mission and key values. To be commended as a flagship college for equality, diversity and inclusion is wonderful recognition of our work”.
You can find out more about equality and diversity on our website, www.huddnewcoll.ac.uk. If your organisation would like help, advice or training opportunities with regards to equality and diversity, please do not hesitate to contact us on info@huddnewcoll.ac.uk
