EDI Briefing on rioting across the UK

In the light of recent events, I wanted to send a message to everyone leading the drive to a fairer and respectful culture in further education. As changemakers committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), your role remains crucial in crafting a more just and equitable FE landscape.

In times of crisis, acting swiftly to support those affected is imperative and that is what you will be doing in your colleges. However, committing to long-term strategies that address the root causes of inequity is equally essential and will build organisational resilience to better equip you and the college to respond to future crises.

This resilience is grounded in your daily practices, ensuring that your organisational values are consistently demonstrated through everyday actions.

Ellen Thinessen, Principal of Education Partnership Northeast, for example, recently said in a LinkedIn post, that it is the “daily acts of kindness” that will make the difference, long term and create the culture we want in Further education.

Many of you already have created spaces for dialogue on difficult issues, like Nottingham College’s Cafes, and these spaces are crucial for building the staff and student community, and providing support, especially to marginalised groups.

Don’t forget that at AoC we are here to support in whatever what we can, and we will be ramping up the Equity Exchange sessions and working with the EDI reference group to increase the type and nature of our support for you.

It can seem counterintuitive, but we can use crises as opportunities to speed up transformative change and address underlying systemic issues while responding to immediate needs.

With that in mind, I encourage you to build on some of the actions we are seeing in the sector.

• The focus on equity and inclusion in leadership approaches developed by the ETF Inclusive leadership, for example, fosters a supportive environment where all individuals can thrive.
• We are creating an inclusive culture through Equity Exchange which is not just about implementing policies but fundamentally changing how we think, interact, and operate within our colleges. This cultural seeks to foster a deep sense of belonging for all students and staff, regardless of their background or identity.
• Reframing the conversation; instead of focusing solely on EDI metrics, colleges should use the data to inform decisions on creating a culture where everyone feels they have a meaningful place. Regularly engaging with students, staff to understand their experiences and needs.
• Creating lasting change by weaving inclusion into the fabric of everyday college life. This means reflecting values of respect and belonging through consistent actions, from curriculum design to administrative processes.
• Developing those strategies that address both immediate concerns and long-term systemic issues. This involves creating dedicated teams to foster inclusivity while also working on broader institutional changes.
• Maintaining and nurturing spaces where all college community members can engage in open, honest dialogue. These spaces are particularly crucial for marginalised groups, allowing for sharing experiences and collective problem-solving.
• Embracing a mindset of continuous learning and adaptation, regularly assessing the impact of inclusivity initiatives, being open to feedback, and willing to adjust strategies as needed.
• Acknowledging and celebrating progress in creating a more inclusive environment while openly addressing areas needing improvement. This transparency helps build trust and demonstrates a genuine commitment to ongoing cultural change.

Your role as changemakers is challenging and transformative. Your dedication to creating a culture of fairness and respect in further education is pivotal. Your actions can profoundly impact immediate crisis responses and drive long-term systemic change.

From Jeff Greenidge, Director for Diversity and Governance, Association of Colleges.

If you need any support or advice, please click here to email me.

Equity Exchange - Online

In light of the violent disturbances across the country during summer 2024, we want to extend our support as you return to college and continue your vital work with students. To help navigate these challenging times, we at AoC invite you to join our Equity Exchange online session on Tuesday, 10th September, from 2:30pm to 3:30pm.

Resources from the session follow: