Equality and Diversity

Introduction

Students, staff and visitors have the right to be treated with dignity and respect and our Equality Statement and strategy reflects this. In short, we aim to provide learning and employment opportunities for all our students and staff to realise their full potential and improve their life chances, regardless of background.

Equality Statement

We will positively promote equality, diversity and human rights for all.

In doing so, the College will:

Foster good relations based on dignity and respect;
Advance equality of opportunity for individuals; and
Eliminate harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination.

College Values and Commitment

The College’s vision is of a culture and society where human difference is routinely anticipated, expertly accommodated and positively celebrated. Indeed Equality, diversity and inclusiveness is a core value of City of Glasgow College. As a College we will value:

The individual.
Equality, diversity and inclusiveness.
Integrity, honesty and transparency.
Excellence and achievement.
Partnership.
Innovation and enterprise.

Equality & Diversity is central to learning & teaching and support services, as demonstrated by effective and equality impact assessed policy, procedures and processes. A model representing the internal and external relationships of Equality & Diversity with the board, staff, students, partners and stakeholders has been devised. This will shape how Equality & Diversity is mainstreamed and embedded across the College.

Equality Act 2010

The College is committed to meeting its general and specific duties as required by the Equality Act 2010

Reporting and Action Planning

The first composite Annual Equality Report for City of Glasgow College has been produced. The report outlines the progress made and further action required in meeting the College’s disability, gender and race public duties. The report aims to demonstrate how the College exceeds legislative compliance to create and embed best practice in Equality & Diversity throughout its culture, operations and services. By producing a combined report on the three duties, the College is able to integrate priorities within a comprehensive framework, providing a consistent approach to mainstreaming and enhancing Equality & Diversity.

Of importance, to improve accessibility, a Summary Equality Report was also produced. In creating this, it was important to take data from each of the legacy Colleges, which was reported in very different formats, and create a single report which sets a benchmark for City of Glasgow College. Summary diversity figures are detailed within the report and include the following findings:

7.4% of enrolled students considered themselves to be disabled.
College wide, we have a similar proportion of female students, 49.3%, and male students, 50.6%
Of enrolled students, 16.5% are from BME backgrounds, well in excess of the figure of 5% reported for Glasgow itself.

The summary report details a number of Priority Action Areas. These action areas will be central to the college’s Single Equality Scheme and Action Plan which are currently being developed. These will be made available on the web-site upon completion.