Our Mission
Equality & Diversity Conference 2009
On 23rd October 2009, Bolton College held our inaugural Equality and Diversity Conference, devoting a full staff development day to setting out and embedding this agenda.
Equality and Diversity underpins everything we do and forms an essential part of our vision of creating a learning environment that is free from discrimination and prejudice, provides equality of opportunity for all, and encourages the development of continuous learning.
For the morning sessions, several nationally recognised speakers were invited to share their experiences and offer their perspectives on the breadth of issues facing staff working in a cosmopolitan learning environment. These included Alyson Malach, from Equality & Diversity UK, on ‘The Effects of the New Single Equality Bill’ and Sarah Riding on ‘Achieving Excellence in Equality & Diversity at Blackpool and The Fylde College‘. Performance company “Theatre&” then acted out some relevant scenarios, based around the Equality and Diversity themes covered.
The afternoon provided an extensive and exciting range of interactive and participatory workshops, which continued to explore the Equality & Diversity agenda and reinforce core messages and themes. Topical options included cultural discussions, culinary demonstrations, interactive sessions on Mental Health at Work, faith awareness and embedding Equality & Diversity into the curriculum.
The day was a huge success and staff training is underway to maintain the momentum throughout the year - with relevant staff inductions, practical staff development sessions and possibly an annual event featured on the Bolton College calendar.
