Diversity Beacon Awards

 The Bedford College Group was a finalist in this year’s Association of College’s Beacon Awards for Diversity.

The National Centre for Diversity’s Award for Inclusive Learning Leadership category is one of 12 examined under the AoC scheme and all those commended have all demonstrated “a high level of innovation, impact and sustainability.”

The Bedford College Group was  unveiled as a Finalist at the AoC conference on November 15th.

The report into The Bedford College Group said:

“For nearly a decade, this College has led the way in championing diversity and inclusion, putting it firmly at the heart of the organisation and embedding it within its corporate culture. In 2013 the College created its first Equality, Diversity and Inclusion role and by 2019 it became the only UK college to achieve the Stonewall Silver Award. In December 2021 it was the first college to be awarded Gold from Stonewall for its LGBGT+ inclusion work on campus and in the community.

“The extensive work this College has undertaken includes making EDI training compulsory for every new member of staff and providing all employees with ongoing access to professional development in this areas.

“The College is now using this best practice approach and applying it to inclusion work for other protected characteristics, focussing next on race equality.”

Said Deputy Chief Executive Em Lowe:

“This is a tribute to the commitment of everyone across all our college campuses to promote and embed inclusive values which support all our students and staff.”