Oldham College is committed to delivering outstanding vocational education for everyone and to provide a learning environment that is accessible to all.
The College is committed to ensuring the equality of opportunity for all who learn and work here; we respect and positively value differences in race, religion & belief, gender, sexual orientation, disability and age.
As part of our safeguarding and health and safety strategies at Oldham College, it is our preference that face coverings are not worn on campus or in the classroom. Further guidance and support is available on request, please contact Head of Integrated Student Support on 0161 7854065 if required.
The Rainbow Flag Award is a national quality assurance framework for schools and colleges. The Award focuses on positive LGBT+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, plus other related identities) inclusion and visibility. It encourages a whole-organisation approach to LGBT+ inclusion, as well as developing strategies to effectively challenge and combat LGBTphobia and bullying.
By committing to achieving this Award, Oldham College are committing to improve the lives of the young people that we work with every day.
One of Our Values is Inclusion, and this is reflected across our diverse College community. We are proud to be able to say that, so far, we have reached the required standard in four of the six areas needed to achieve the Rainbow Flag Award.
During 2022 we will meet set standards in each of the six areas:
Skilled Teacher – Staff, including Senior Leadership Teams and non-teaching staff, can recognise and consistently challenge and report LGBTphobia, and are confidently using positive and appropriate language around LGBT+ identities.
Supportive Governors & Partners – Governors and parents/carers understand the need to combat LGBTphobia through positive education and representation and know where to go for information and support.
Effective Policies – Effective policies are in place to address LGBTphobia and positively support whole-organisation LGBT+ inclusion.
Inclusive Curriculum – LGBT+ people and identities are positively represented across all areas of the curriculum. This includes lessons and activities that are LGBT+ inclusive, as well as those that are LGBT+ specific.
Pastoral Support – Young people wishing to explore/express their gender and/or sexuality feel supported to do so. Skilled staff from within the organisation support them, including through signposting and referrals to appropriate local youth work services.
Student Voice – Student-led initiatives are valued and supported to create an LGBT+ inclusive and positive environment.
Oldham College values academic freedom and is committed to promoting and positively encouraging free debate, speech and enquiry. However, the College will take firm and decisive action against anyone demonstrating any form of hate crime, including anti-Semitism and Islamophobia.
As of July 2021, the College Corporation has formally adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Working Definition of anti-Semitism. By adopting the IHRA definition, we are highlighting that we have a zero-tolerance policy towards anti-Semitism and that Oldham College is committed to building an inclusive environment for both students and staff.
The definition is a useful tool for understanding what constitutes anti-Semitism and can be found here.
This report has been written to allow all of our students and partners to recognise and understand the current position of the college in relation to how our learners achieve and develop regardless of their characteristics. The report also outlines the make-up of our staff and the objectives we hold for the future of equality and diversity across the college community. The report constitutes a summary of the College’s approach to meeting the general and specific duties of the Equalities Act 2011.
