Our Actions

Equality of opportunity means more than disregarding differences such as gender, sexuality, age, race or religious belief. It means ensuring that different people receive the services, support, teaching and consideration in a fair and equal way. The work of the E & D Group, Student Union and Equality and Diversity Officer resulted in very high levels of activity and impact last year, in particular progress can be illustrated through the following examples:

• 60 Supported Studies students accessed work experience in a range of areas such as retail, horticulture, agriculture, catering
• Around the World Festival – collaborative and inclusive project between Supported Studies and Performing Arts which resulted in a performance which launched Round The World
• Partnership working between Herts Police and Supported Studies with 4 groups of learners. The aim was to increase police’s disability awareness to help them with interview process when interviewing vulnerable young people and adults
• 8 bespoke personalised learning programmes in place for students with complex needs who have been able to access their local college through effective partnership working with other organisations such as Church Farm. Previously these students would have had to attend specialist residential provision away from their homes
• A new Chill Out room at Stevenage to meet the needs of autistic students who at times need a quiet space to relax
• Laptops provided to students with learning support needs who don’t have access to technology at home
• Over 1,000 students have been provided with additional learning support representing a 23% increase from 2009-10
• 20% increase in HE students having Disabled Student Assessments through the college’s Access Centre. 337 assessment have been carried out in the last year
• Plans to expand Shine to HCC Farnham House, which will provide employment opportunities for students with learning difficulties. Due to open late June to coincide with HCC Disability Awareness Week
• Annual review of anti-bullying policy in consultation with students. This year 580 students took part in a questionnaire. A fantastic 237% increase. A small competition was run within one of the art courses to design some anti-bullying posters. The top three were displayed on screensavers around the college.
• Calendar of events and festivals available for all staff on the internal and external web-sites. These have been complemented by information on screensavers and plasma screens.
• The Student Services team offered E & D related tutorials 10/11 saw the delivery of 19 Cultural Diversity and Anti-discrimination sessions and 57 Anti-Bullying.
• The Students’ Union Executive committee now includes several “Liberation Officer” posts – these are:
  • Women’s Officer
  • LGBT Officer
  • Faith Officer
  • Ethnic Minorities Officer