Equality and Diversity

Newcastle College welcomes diversity in its student population – valuing differences in race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, religion or belief, class and age. We actively oppose discrimination, aim to remove all conditions that put people at a disadvantage, strive to improve access and to provide outstanding support.

We are committed to providing an inclusive learning environment. We have produced a Valuing Diversity policy, a Race Equality statement, a Disability Equality Scheme and a Gender Equality Scheme which set out our response to statutory obligations and our approach to the active promotion of equality and diversity. Please discuss your support needs with us and we will make every effort to make adjustments to help you succeed.

Valuing Diversity Policy Statement

The College recognises and celebrates diversity in its staff and student community. This diversity reflects visible and non-visible differences, which include factors such as age, disability, HIV status, marital status, mental health, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, social background and trade union membership. Harnessing these differences will create a productive environment within the College in which all individuals are valued, where their potential is maximised and in which the College's mission can be achieved.

The College will approach managing diversity by recognising the diverse needs of staff and students (both actual and prospective) and by ensuring that barriers to diversity are removed in relation to:

understanding the concept of diversity in order that management and staff efforts will underpin the College's Strategic and Operational Plans;
providing objective and fair policies and processes for all aspects of the student and staff experience;
enhancing each individual's commitment to diversity by promoting awareness and understanding of its approach;
ensuring that the College's activities are managed in a way which makes all individuals feel valued and harnesses their potential;
ensuring that the concept of diversity informs all policies, practices and procedures;
promoting the recognition of individual rather than group differences;
encouraging a culture of empowerment through an environment characterised by open communication, participation and consultation and an absence of prejudice and discrimination.

Valuing Diversity Policy

Disability Equality Scheme

Download our Disability Equality Scheme

Equal Opportunities Action Plan

Download our Equal Opportunities Action Plan

Gender Equality Scheme

Download our Gender Equality Scheme

Race Equality Scheme

Download our Race Equality Scheme

Disability Statement

Download our Disability Statement