Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

The College values the diversity brought to it by individuals and believes that the College benefits from engaging students from a variety of backgrounds, allowing it to meet the needs of a diverse student population in a multicultural society. The South West College is also committed to supporting students to explore diversity and support tolerance and acceptance of different cultures and interests. This takes place through induction, on-going training and promotional literature aimed at existing and potential students. In addition, the College is obliged to treat all students with dignity and respect and to seek to provide a positive learning environment which is free from harassment, victimisation or discrimination in relation to religious beliefs, political opinion or persuasion, racial group, age, marital status, gender, sexual orientation, disability or dependency.

Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 requires all public authorities to give due regard to the desirability of promoting good relations. South West College has given a commitment to review policies to ensure better equality outcomes and would welcome consultation with students of the College.

The key stages are as follows:

• Preparing equality schemes
• Screening policies for impact assessment
• Conducting equality impact assessment
• On-going monitoring of impact, consultation and policy review