Newcastle College has been awarded White Ribbon Accreditation by White Ribbon UK, recognising its commitment to ending violence against women and girls and building a culture where women feel safe, respected and able to thrive. The accreditation reflects the College’s work to challenge harmful attitudes and behaviours, promote respectful relationships and ensure all students and staff can learn and work in a safe environment.
As part of this commitment, Newcastle College is launching a new steering group made up of White Ribbon Ambassadors and Champions from across the organisation. This group, made up of male and female staff members, will lead conversations, raise awareness and shape activity designed to improve safety, equality and wellbeing for women and girls on campus. Their work will help embed White Ribbon principles into everyday College life and ensure long-term cultural change. The College has also received an official White Ribbon plaque to mark the achievement.
A spokesperson for White Ribbon UK said: “White Ribbon Accredited organisations are able to make a real difference towards ending violence against women by promoting a culture of respect and equality. By raising awareness and educating the public, we can create a safer and more inclusive society. We are pleased to recognise the progress made by Newcastle College in working towards achieving its White Ribbon Accreditation, and we hope they will continue to build on this work and keep the campaign’s core aims at the heart of everything they do.”
Jon Ridley, Principal of Newcastle College, said: “Newcastle College is an inclusive community and the safety and welfare of our staff and students is central to who we are. By signing up to White Ribbon, we are making a clear commitment to never use, excuse or remain silent about men’s violence against women. This isn’t a new direction for us - it reflects the values of our College. Standing up for respect, equality and the right to feel safe and secure is in our DNA."
Lisa Hamilton-Murray, Deputy Principal at the College, added: “Achieving White Ribbon Accreditation is an important moment for us. It reflects our commitment to creating an environment where women and girls feel safe, valued and able to succeed. This accreditation is not a badge – it is a responsibility, and our new Steering Group will help ensure that we continue to develop a culture that promotes respectful behaviour and empowers staff and students to be active allies.”
The steering group will now lead a three-year programme of focused activity, from awareness raising to supporting behavioural change initiatives, before presenting its findings and recommendations to White Ribbon at the end of the accreditation cycle. With this announcement taking place ahead of International Women’s Day, the College is reaffirming its commitment to standing with women and girls and driving action that promotes equality and challenges violence in all forms.
Alongside this work, the College continues to strengthen its wider support for women and girls through its collaboration with West End Women and Girls Centre, whose workshops and activities help female students feel empowered, build confidence and develop key life skills. The College is also launching its new GIRL initiative (Get Industry Ready Lasses) – a future-focused initiative designed to help female students build confidence, explore their ambitions and get industry-ready with the support of inspiring role models from across the College.