College achieves Investors in Diversity standard

Bradford College has achieved a major milestone in its equality, diversity and inclusion journey after achieving the Investors in Diversity standard.

The college has been recognised for its ongoing commitment to the FREDIE principles of Fairness, Respect, Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Engagement. The National Centre for Diversity praised the college for its work including its dedicated EDI committee, empowering staff and students to set the agenda and placing EDI at the heart of the college’s work.

A proudly diverse college transforming lives

Craig Tupling, Vice Principal for Quality and Student Experience at Bradford College, said: “This recognition is hugely important to us. 

“As a proudly diverse college, we aim to transform lives. We cannot do this without addressing inequality, actively challenging discrimination and supporting the personal development and wellbeing of everyone who studies and works here. We celebrate the diverse cultures, perspectives and experiences of our staff and students and we aim to be a place where they have the opportunity to succeed in everything they do.

“This is an ongoing journey and we recognise we have more work to do. But with the support of our students, staff and our partners, Bradford College will always be a place where everyone can realise their full potential.”

The achievement comes after Bradford College achieved 36^th place in the NCFD’s Top 100 Most Inclusive Workplaces Index 2021.

Removing barriers

Advisors noted Bradford College has made progress on a number of areas including at governor and senior level. EDI has been mapped into the college’s strategic objectives. A Vice Principal for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion is due to join the college this year. They will champion EDI policy and encourage discussions between senior leaders about recognising the impact of disadvantage. They will also seek to address any barriers for students and staff to achieving their ambitions.

Staff and managers have access to training in various areas related to FREDIE. The college has encouraged all staff to have their say on how the college is doing in these areas.

Principal and Chief Executive Chris Webb has taken part in the FE News #AntiRacisminAction podcast for West Yorkshire. He and Kirklees College Principal/Chief Executive Palvinder Singh discussed the unique opportunities as well as challenges faced by West Yorkshire in respect of ethnic diversity. They also discussed the factors in successfully addressing them. Chris also discussed how colleges can be catalysts for positive social change. 

Keeping up the good work

In a letter to the college, NCFD Chief Executive Solat Chaudhry said: “Once again, congratulations and well done for the hard work you and your team have put into the Investors in Diversity journey so far. Your Advisors inform me that you have shown professional courage, an admirable transparency and a steely determination to improve. They also inform me that everyone has been a pleasure to work with.”

Bradford College Students Union has activities around personal development, wellbeing, equality, diversity and inclusion planned throughout the year.

To mark Black History Month in October, the college hosted workshops, talks, tutorials and film screenings for students. It also launched a series of events to address hate crime, racial injustice and inequality.

You can find out more about activities throughout the year at https://www.bradfordcollegesu.co.uk/

Read Bradford College’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Report for 2019/20 here.