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Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Diversity Mark nominee for Most Inclusive School 2022

ED&I Instagram

When we say Queen Mary’s College is for everyone, we mean it. QMC is an inclusive place, where individuals can be valued and aspire to meet their potential whoever they are. Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion have evolved significantly, and we continue to evolve with it. We want to ensure that the college is consciously aware of any inequality, ensuring that diversity is not only celebrated, but reflected throughout the College community, and we want to actively engage in the process of people feeling supported to be who they are. QMC is a safe place for everyone and what is at the heart of it is kindness, value, and empowerment for all.

We do not shy away from areas that challenge us as a community, to ensure that we take inclusivity seriously and challenge inequality. We take our responsibility to be a part of ensuring those who can feel less valued are given equal access to opportunity and emotional wellbeing.

Noteworthy achievements of QMC’s Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Team this year include:

  • ‘Stop and Search’ Advocacy Program: In collaboration with Basingstoke Unites Against Racism and Hampshire Police Force, QMC pioneered a unique initiative to address racism and ensure anti-racism remains at the forefront of daily practice. Through workshops and training, the programme aims to create a more inclusive and safeguarding-focused environment. This ground-breaking work has received accolades from various Hampshire organisations, including BBC South Today.
  • Refugee Inclusion: QMC became the first college in Hampshire to invite refugees onto its campus, providing them with access to resources and support. Collaborating with Winchester University, QMC also spearheaded the organization of an upcoming conference in June, dedicated to promoting inclusivity among educational institutions countywide.
  • Multilingual Language Hub: In a pioneering move, QMC established a unique language hub that offers key messages in multiple languages, catering to the needs of ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) students and their parents. This innovative initiative has set a precedent for inclusive communication.
  • British Sign Language Training: QMC ensured a more inclusive atmosphere by training staff in British Sign Language, enabling effective communication and support for the hearing-impaired.
  • Inclusive Learning: The College developed an in-house staff website featuring a curriculum designed to equip educators with the knowledge and tools to confidently deliver inclusive learning experiences.
  • Neurodiversity Awareness: QMC organised training sessions and workshops to raise awareness of Neurodiversity among staff, fostering an environment that embraces diverse thinking and behaviour.
  • Safety Walks and Themed Weeks: Collaborating with Hampshire Police, QMC hosted Safety Walks to enhance campus security. The college also organised themed weeks aimed at educating students and fostering a fully inclusive culture.

 

Stop and Search

Following a Stop and Search conference between the police and young people in Basingstoke, discussions surrounded the issue of negative experiences and interactions. Young people are unsure of their rights, the correct way that a stop and search should be handled,  and that negative experiences are damaging relationships between our young people and local police officers.

Following these discussions, the idea of schools and colleges being part of an advocacy programme was created. The model would enable the relationships between police and young people to grow and help with learning on both sides regarding the stop and search process. It would also begin to nurture better relationships and form a holistic approach to managing the issues raised.

Alongside, Hampshire Constabulary and Basingstoke Unites Against Racism, QMC are proud to have launched this initiative and join with our local schools and colleges in making the advocacy programme effective across our town.

The EDI Committee

QMC is proud to have both an EDI staff working group and a student working group. The aims of both committees are to promote equality of opportunity so that all Learners can thrive together, understanding that difference is a positive, not a negative, and that individual characteristics make people unique and promoting an inclusive environment that meets the needs of all learners, irrespective of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation, relationship status or pregnancy.

They monitor data and ensure that a community of inclusivity is created at the college. Students are able to feedback the feelings and attitudes of the students and help promote awareness, whilst our dedicated team of staff can implement programmes, events and initiatives which celebrate EDI.

We aim to respect key dates in the calendar, alongside working with local organisations to raise awareness, equip and challenge both staff and students in their understanding of difference, support departments with implementing EDI in to the curriculum and ensure that no barriers exist between learning and achievement.

Our Focus includes;

  • Black Lives Matter
  • Transgender Awareness
  • Gender Equality

Access

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Access

The College is located on a beautiful 30 acre site set amongst woodland. There are several marked ‘disability friendly’ parking spaces across the site and ramped or level access to all buildings. Within much of the accommodation ramps or lifts are available internally. Many doorways are double width and have automatic opening doors. We have endeavoured to place appropriate and clear signage at key points across the site. We also have accessible ‘disability friendly’ toilet facilities available.

If you wish to book any of the facilities available please contact the Community Lettings Team for more information on 01256 417500, if you wish to visit the site please contact Premises at premises@qmc.ac.uk for more information. If you have any concerns regarding accessing the site for your studies please speak to Barbara Dossett, Student Health and Welfare Advisor about individual arrangements. If you have any other comments, questions or feedback about the site please contact Jilly Smith, Premises Co-ordinator on 01256 51700 ext 5400 or email jilly.smith@qmc.ac.uk

We have related policies which can be found here and more information can be sought from Katherine Bejide, Lead Teacher for Equalities at katherine.bejide@qmc.ac.uk. For more information about policies, alternative formats or access arrangements please contact Sally-Anne Spooner Director: Human Resources & Commercial Operations on 01256 417524, or email sally-anne.spooner@qmc.ac.uk