Equality, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging (EDIB)

Carlisle College aims to provide a safe and supportive environment in which everyone can study and work to the best of their abilities. The College recognises it responsibilities in respect of Equality Legislation. Behaviour 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 unfavourably 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, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging at Carlisle College

Statement Dated 30th September 2021

Carlisle College operates under the NCG Equality, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging strategy and its supporting policy, which is augmented by the Carlisle College Equality, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging committee.

You can view the Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Strategy & Policy here The deliverables set out within the strategy 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.

The EDIB Leads across NCG have held extensive consultation with colleagues locally in each of our Colleges. We have also consulted with Senior Leadership Teams and Link Governors from our College Boards.

Link Governors are those with a special interest in a key area of work in our Colleges such as Equality & Diversity.

Perhaps more importantly we have also consulted with our learners.

These discussions helped us shape our approach to EDIB to deliver real impact, aligned to our Mission and clear deliverables for the short and medium term around the following themes:

Quality – The aim of providing Exceptional teaching, learner experience and outcomes
Curriculum – The aim of providing innovative courses and qualifications
People – The aim of being ambitious and responsible educators and leaners
Facilities – The aim of outstanding digital and physical learning environments
Finance The aim of outstanding digital and physical learning environments and financial sustainability, powering reinvestment
Reach – The aim of impactful external engagement and civic commitment

Our specific work locally on EDIB deliverables will build on the work and consultation undertaken with NCG in developing a College Equality, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging action plan in support of NCG policy.

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

Equality and Diversity are a given, but we also need to ensure we are inclusive and create a sense of belonging.

Our Intent Statement provides details on the clear ethical, moral and social case for why this is important. We want to be an open and welcoming place that inspires excellence and curiosity – Knowing the communities we serve and responding to their diverse needs is at the very heart of our educational offer and service and by being inclusive and providing a sense of belonging will help us achieve this.

At Carlisle College we will have no tolerance for hate and will oppose discrimination of any kind, should we identify it. In doing so we are committed to maintain our efforts to ensure the greatest possible chance that all learners can achieved personal advancement, social mobility and economic prosperity.

Carlisle Colleges is committed to equality of opportunity, anti-sexist, will not tolerate misogynistic views or behaviour, stands against racism, is against violence and exploitation in all forms, will not tolerate sexual harassment, stands against homophobia, welcomes all faiths, is against anti -Semitism and adopts the international definition of anti-Semitism.

In support of the NCG strategy we have committed to revisit and review our work on EDIB to ensure we are in the lead in the creation of a diverse and inclusive environment. This work will begin in earnest in October 2021 and will accelerate over the period of the strategy, culminating in a revised and refreshed comprehensive EDIB action plan, so that we know we can demonstrate continuous learning on EDIB.

Please help us to be the organisation that you are proud of either through study or working with us with by being involved in the forthcoming work to make sure we do things better.

Equality and Diversity Annual Report

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 analysis and improvements made. This annual report will be approved by the Governors and the Executive Leadership Team. The Annual Report can be viewed here

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 through 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 any member of Student Services by calling into the office in the Atrium or phoning them on 01228 822 895. They will be happy to speak to you in the strictest confidence. You can also send an e-mail to safeguarding@carlisle.ac.uk if you have any concerns about bullying.

A copy of the bullying policy is available here.

Hate Crime

In addition to our responsibilities regarding equality and diversity, Carlisle College is a registered Hate Crime Reporting Centre. For details contact Student Services or visit Hate Incident and Hate Crime reporting.

Restorative Practice in Carlisle College

Carlisle College uses restorative practice to promote mutually respectful relationships, manage behaviour and resolve issues around conflict and bullying.

Restorative practice is based on the theory that, where conflict occurs, either or both parties are harmed and it is this harm which needs to be addressed. Unlike punishment based approaches, restorative practice gives responsibility to resolve the problem to those directly involved. A member of staff will work with students to discuss their point of view and agree how to repair relationships and resolve any conflict caused.

Stonewall School Champions

Carlisle College is a Stonewall School Champion, a programme to tackle homophobia, biphobia and transphobia and support LGBT young people in their community.