Equality and Diversity

Equality Objectives
Bullying

Carlisle College aims to provide a safe and supportive environment in which everyone is able to study and work to the best of their abilities. The College recognises it responsibilities in respect of Equality Legislation. Behavior which makes another feel embarrassed, demeaned, ridiculed or intimidated because of their sex, race, disability, religious beliefs, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other characteristic is totally unacceptable.

If any group or individual within Carlisle College feels that he or she has been discriminated against, treated unfavorably or has suffered harassment and wishes to discuss the matter or make a formal complaint, then the College Management will respond promptly and compassionately.

Equality Objectives

Here at Carlisle College we are committed to ensuring that we celebrate the diversity of all our staff, students and any visitors and that our services provide equality of opportunity to everyone.

Our Equality Objectives build on the work and consultation undertaken to develop the single equality scheme along with meetings with relevant community groups. Consultation notes and evidence of the consultation are available on request. To see our objectives click here.

These objectives will guide us as an organisation in how we meet our needs under the Equality Act. They set out Carlisle College's commitment to eliminating inequality and promoting diversity. It aims to meet our duties under legislation but also to go beyond compliance and include all areas of equality whether or not they are covered by legislation.

The objectives cover all of the protected characteristics under the equality act (age, gender, race, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marriage & civil partnership, religion & belief or lack of belief and disability). By meeting these objectives and the actions associated with each, we aim to ensure that we remove any barriers that staff, students or stake holders may face while being proactive in promoting good practice.

These objectives will be monitored and taken forward by the Carlisle College Equality and Diversity Committee. This committee meets each term and is made up of academic and support staff from across College.

If you would like to give us your views on our objectives then please send an email to SESFeedback@carlisle.ac.uk

Alternatively, if you prefer, we have put together a set of Consultation Questions in Word format. Please email the completed questionnaire to SESFeedback@carlisle.ac.uk or post to

David Hetherington
Carlisle College, FREEPOST (CE 637), Victoria Place, Carlisle, CA1 1BR

Putting the Objectives into practice

Publishing Equality Objectives
The Equality Objectives will be published on the College website. A paper copy will be available from the Vice Principal's Secretary upon request. The Equality Objectives can be made available in larger print, Braille and on audio tape. A copy will also be available at parents evening for parents feedback.

Reposition Mechanism
An annual report will be published each academic year which will report on the outcomes for learners, staffing profiles, and achievement of targets. Progress made on impact assessment and improvements made. This annual report will be approved by governors, the Executive Leadership Team and published on the College website for all staff and students and stakeholders

Bullying

Carlisle College is committed to an environment which does not tolerate bullying of any kind and in which students feel safe and confident.

It is our aim to provide advice and guidance for all students and staff dealing with bullying, the bully, and the relevant parents.

Bullying can range from physical assault to name calling, racist abuse, teasing and other forms of verbal abuse. Bullying can also be in the form of "Cyber Bullying", being sent offensive messages or images by text or seeing nasty comments on a website or though e-mail.

Where bullying of any kind is reported, it will be taken seriously and acted upon in a sensitive and consultive way - stopping the bullying and supporting those involved.

If you believe you are being bullied in any way, contact your Course Tutor. If you feel unable to do this contact David Hetherington the Student Retention and Achievement Officer in room 238 or any member of the Student Support Services Team in Room 238 or call them on 01228 822 895. They will be happy to speak to you in the strictest confidence. You can also text David on 07739899655, if you have any concerns about bullying.

A copy of the bullying policy can be found in Student Support Services team in room 238 or downloaded in PDF from the 'Downloads' section of this page.

Restorative Practice in Carlisle College

Carlisle College are aiming to become a restorative College in everything that we do. The following information explains what restorative practice is, why we will use it and how we will implement it in our practices.

Background
The aim of restorative practices is to develop community and to manage conflict and tensions by repairing harm and building relationships. Restorative Practice is a philosophy and ought to guide the way we act in all our dealings.

The main aim of the Restorative Practices Process in schools and College’s is to reduce exclusions, drop-outs, absenteeism among students and hence ensure that more of our young people stay in College and have an increased opportunity to achieve their qualification and develop life skills that will serve them well. Restorative Practices in schools can be implemented through a continuum (see diagram 1), ranging from listening/language to Restorative conferences.

Student behaviour is cited consistently by staff, parents and young people as one of the leading problems in College. Those schools that make extensive use of sanctions (doing things to students) often continue to do so over time, which suggests that punishment has limited value as a deterrent for other students. Overall, punishment led approaches do little to promote among young people a genuine sense of responsibility for their own behaviour. The restorative alternative is based on the notion that, where conflict occurs, either or both parties and their relationship are harmed and it is this harm that needs to be addressed. Unlike punishment based approaches, restorative practice gives ownership of behaviour and conflict resting to those directly involved, who also have responsibility to solve the problem. Staff work with students to discuss the situation, it’s affect on others and how they would like to see it resolved.

Restorative Practice Information for Students

Restorative Practice Information for Parents/Carers