Celebrating Diversity at Suffolk New College

Launched in 2008 the Suffolk New College Centre for Equality and Diversity was established to develop good practice, deliver quality standards and ensure that Suffolk New College continues to play a central role in the community cohesion agenda in Ipswich and Suffolk. As an established and expanding Further Education provider, Suffolk New College is deeply rooted in a diverse, dynamic and growing community and in recognition of this has surpassed the standards required to receive  ‘Committed to Equality’ (C2E) and ‘Investors in Diversity’ (IiD) accreditation.

The C2E and IiD standards are two of the most nationally recognised standards and Suffolk New College is proud to not only to have achieved them but also to be a licensed provider across the region for C2E and to work with the National Centre for Diversity for IiD.

Commenting on the College’s achievement Principal Dave Muller said:

“To achieve one standard would be an accomplishment but for the College to succeed with attaining IiD and a Gold Medal for C2E is outstanding. The C2E and IiD standards recognise the College’s commitment to equality and diversity and we are pleased to support other organisations considering working towards these standards. They challenge you through the assessment processes to evidence what you say you do which gives added value and benefits to your organisation.”

The C2E standard is open to all organisations in the UK, regardless of size, sector or profile who fully embrace good working equality practices and profit from the benefits that can be had from employing fairly for their organisation, their employees and the community. The IiD standard is an all-encompassing approach to managing Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, effectively allowing organisations to take a structured and planned approach to embedding equality and diversity at the heart of what they do while providing a simple framework in which to do so.

Janet Lakhani, Chief Executive of C2E and Solat Chaudhry, Chief Executive of the National Centre for Diversity will be joining colleagues from the local community to celebrate Suffolk New College’s achievements of the two awards. Some of those attending have taken advantage of some of the many services offered by the Centre.

Discussing the work of the Centre for Equality and Diversity, Sarah Adams, Director said:

“The Centre has been fortunate enough to work with a number of local and regional organisations providing advice, support and training to them. The Centre for Equality and Diversity has had many achievements in a short space of time. We are excited about the future and where the Centre can develop next now the College has achieved these well deserved awards.”

Led by Sarah Adams, the Centre for Equality and Diversity boasts a team of equality and diversity advisors who have relevant commercial, legal, communications, training and accreditation expertise to provide advice and support or signpost to other bodies which may also assist in your development of exemplary equality and diversity practices. For further information, please call the Suffolk New College Centre for Equality and Diversity on 01473 382 452 or visit http://www.centreforequalityanddiversity.com/.