Solihull Sixth Form College is celebrating its re-accreditation for the Investors in Diversity Award, following a recent assessment by the National Centre for Diversity.
The College first achieved the Investor in Diversity award in 2017 and the recent reaccreditation means the award is now valid until August 2025. This reaccreditation reflects the commitment of colleagues and leaders in ensuring that the College is a place where the diversity of our community is celebrated.
The National Centre for Diversity’s assessment looked at the College’s FREDIE journey, which considers how the College addresses Fairness, Respect, Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Engagement. The inspection saw meetings and focus groups held with colleagues and learners and questionnaires completed.
In the report, it was noted that surveys with both learners and colleagues yielded better results than achieved during the last inspection, demonstrating an upward trajectory in our FREDIE journey. In particular, the report praised the College’s “positive and inclusive culture” and noted there is “a positive environment for wellbeing and good mental health”.
Examples of learner feedback were included in the report including the following:
“I have a hearing disability, to which I have been given a radio mic that my teachers happily wear whenever I ask.”
“During the academic coaching sessions, they tell us more about other people’s cultures and they help us too understand one another.”
Anisa Lokat-Fanning, Associate Assistant Principal, who leads Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Solihull Sixth Form College, commented:
“I’m proud of this achievement. The College has worked hard as a community to create an inclusive environment for a number of years and it’s rewarding to see that this has been recognised once again by the National Centre for Diversity. The fact that we have continued to improve since we were first accredited in 2017 demonstrates our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.
28 February 2024