Somerset College

We have legal duties to promote equality and recognise, celebrate and value the diversity of all members of our community. Recent equality and diversity legislation has had a positive impact on people's lives. We have improved access for students with disabilities in recent years, and are constantly reviewing our policies and procedures to ensure we are up to date with current legislation.

Positive About Disabled People

We are able to use this symbol because we have agreed with Jobcentre Plus to take action on these five commitments:

• To interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for a job vacancy and consider them on their abilities.
• To ensure there is a mechanism in place to discuss, at any time, but at least once a year, with disabled employees what can be done to make sure they can develop and use their abilities.
• To make every effort when employees become disabled to make sure they stay in employment.
• To take action to ensure that all employees develop the appropriate level of disability awareness needed to make these commitments work.
• Each year to review the five commitments and what has been achieved, plan ways to improve on them and let employees and Jobcentre Plus know about progress and future plans.

Discrimination

• We do not accept any form of harassment, bullying or discrimination. This means that racist, sexist or homophobic attitudes and behaviour are not tolerated and discrimination of any type, whether based on age, disability, race, ethnic origin, religious belief, gender, sexual orientation or any other form of abuse or hurtful behaviour is not accepted.
• We have measures in place to address complaints, such as procedures for reporting and addressing harassment, racial incidents or sexual harassment.
• We seek to safeguard everyone's equality and diversity and our aim is to create a positive, inclusive experience for everyone who comes through our doors.

If you would like to talk to someone about any problems you are facing or want to find out more about equality & diversity at Somerset College contact:

David Harvey on 01823 366 467, or email david.harvey@somerset.ac.uk

Disabled students

We have procedures to comply with the Disability Discrimination Act which encourage students to ask for any additional support they may need. You may be entitled to Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) which provides funds for the support or equipment you need.

For disclosure forms and information about the range of services for disabled students please contact David Waddilove on 01823 366 882 or email David.waddilove@somerset.ac.uk

Planning for the future

Addition to Somerset College Equality and Diversity Policy and Statement (Issue number 7) : December 2009

This addition to the existing college policy is drafted in response to guidance from the Equality and Human Rights Commission (November 2009). It does not replace the existing policy but should be considered as a starting point for discussion by the Equality and Diversity Steering Group.

The existing policy will be reviewed formally in December 2010. Our intention is to establish a ‘whole organisation’ approach that will begin to establish systems and structures anticipating the new legislative framework. As such it is intended for consideration by the senior management team.

The Equality and Diversity Steering Group will draw up an itinerary of work establishing new priorities for the next three years. Some of these will relate specifically to technical provision and to the enablement of a more accessible environment for learners with disabilities. An action plan will be devised that has senior management approval; that has a designated budget holder and that has a clear and coherent identification of responsibilities. This plan will include measures to chart progress and outcomes of proposed interventions. Equality impact assessment of relevant policies and strategic priorities will actively include students with disabilities and other ‘experts by experience’. Monitoring of staff levels of disability will be used to identify areas where improvement is essential in regard to ensuring disability equality in the workplace.

In relation to the specific recommendations from the Commission the college will concentrate its efforts on:-

•  Ensuring that students with disabilities have an equal chance to participate in college life, taking into account contemporary external assessments of existing provision.
• Continuous monitoring of the achievement levels of students with disabilities matched against a ‘whole college’ benchmark.
• The development of sustainable progress routes for students with disabilities, including careers; work placements and work experience.
• The development of structured links with equality organisations as sources of advice on issues around bullying and harassment.

Action Plan - process for the Equality and Diversity Steering Group

By June 2010 the Equality and Diversity Steering Group will have set up the following pieces of intervention; monitored their results and acted upon their conclusions:-

• A JISC audit of assistive technology which will advise on the technical adjustments needed to ensure equal access. This will be acted upon after senior management approval. It will cover assistive technology, website design and marketing products.
• An audit of provision for people with hearing loss in the college, with recommendations as to appropriate courses of action. These will be considered and acted upon.
• A similar audit for people with sight problems. This too will be conducted by an external organisation, will make appropriate recommendations and these will inform changes in practice.
• The development of full consultation and training mechanisms with students with disabilities, including their regular involvement in equality impact assessment processes.
• The development of a system of staff training organised and delivered by people with disabilities.
• A process of ‘destination planning’ for students with disabilities that uses ‘soft skills’ outcome measures and that is fully accessible.
• A structure for ‘whole college’ review of equality and diversity issues, including learners, tutors and staff with disabilities.

Forms and Publications

The following forms and publications are available from James Amery (Division of Foundation Learning) on 01823 366 501 or email James.Amery@somerset.ac.uk .

Student Disclosure form
Incident Reporting form
College Disability Statement (FE)
College Disability Statement (HE)
Single Equality Policy
Student Guide to Equality and Diversity
Tackling Racism
Sexual Harassment
Tackling Domestic Abuse
Colleges and Local Authorities Equality and Diversity Form
Equality and Diversity Policy Document

The Principal is responsible for issues relating to Equality and Diversity. The Principal delegates this responsibilty to the Director of Student Services and Marketing Tim Yeandle contact 01823 366 410 email tim.yeandle@somerset.ac.uk