Equality North East

Stockton Riverside College (SRC)

Stockton Riverside College (SRC) merged with Bede Sixth Form College, Billingham, in May 2008 and offers a wide range of academic and vocational provision to 14-16, 16-18 and 19+ learners. They are a great example of innovative approaches to equality and diversity, backed up by robust policies and strong leadership.

Staff are able to attend level four equality and diversity which was developed in-house. Mental health first aid has been delivered to 20 staff members and there has been a good take up rate by managers training in subjects such as equality and diversity impact assessment.

An equality and diversity working group continuously reviews and updates the company policies and procedures and codes of practice by consulting with staff and students.

They have codes of practice on the seven equality strands, including Transgender, which they feel gives staff and students a practical tool to achieve equality and diversity. Many of their practices are now being replicated nationally.

SRC work with the specific groups when developing and reviewing these practices. An example of this is producing their transgender code of practice with the consultation of a transgender student. SRC are aware of the underrepresented groups of learners within the College and are taking proactive steps to address this.

They have set up system whereby English speaking people can help ESOL learners to reach level 1 and provide them with the experience and knowledge to progress. This will also help to remove cultural barriers by promoting good relations between different races.

Staff sessions have been set up to work with Asian women on health and care. Visits to a Gurdwara and a Mosque were organised to increase awareness. The results are that a higher percentage of 16-19 BME learners than the local population percentage.

The College established FACE – Faith, Arts, Culture and Environment- which is a way of giving the opportunity to discuss faith and belief in a wider context. For example, an event could comprise two of the elements such as an Islamic Art exhibition and talk. Smaller events such as their ESOL chat room allows students from different cultural backgrounds to socialise.

The College has a quiet room available to everyone for prayer and contemplation and also has an annual event to celebrate diverse cultures and faiths.

Feedback from LGBT students indicates that they feel supported and now have the confidence to be themselves and strive to achieve their aspirations, feel a sense of belonging to the College community.

Stockton Riverside College (SRC)

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