Equality and Diversity

Equality and Diversity is a term used in the UK to define and champion equality, diversity and human rights as defining values and legislation to protect people from discrimination and prejudice.

Boston College celebrates and values diversity. We commit to providing a welcoming and supportive environment in which all students and staff have the same opportunity to succeed regardless of age, race or nationality, sexual orientation, class, religion or belief, gender, gender identity, learning difficulty or disability.

We work collaboratively with a range of community organisations and partners to ensure that the College tackles social exclusion, addresses discrimination, promotes community cohesion and actively promotes equality of opportunity.

We are committed to maintaining a college free from discrimination, harassment or victimisation, in which individual differences are valued. You can expect equality for all who learn, work and visit Boston College.

What is Equality?

Equality is usually understood to be about creating a fairer society where everyone can participate and have the opportunity to fulfil their potential – to live as equal citizens in society free from discrimination and harassment.

Legislation in the UK protects people from discrimination and harassment on the basis of race (including nationality), gender, religion or belief, age, disability, sexual orientation or gender reassignment at work and in access to goods and services (such as education or training). Collectively these are known as “The 7 Strands”.

What is Diversity?

Diversity is usually understood to be a culture of welcome, respect, value and celebration of aspects of us that make us unique individuals including differences in background, characteristics, experiences and attitudes. Such a culture recognises that we contribute to society because of these aspects and not in spite of them. Diversity is not restricted to the 7 strands but incorporates differences of social class, personality, opinion, etc.

At Boston College this means that we are open and inclusive to people who are different from us. We welcome and respect individuals, and individuality, and we value and appreciate our differences. We believe in a college environment where colleagues and learners have the opportunity to succeed in their work and study and where they are valued for their unique skills and perspectives.

The Equality Act

The College’s ‘core values’ underpin our commitment to equality and diversity in everything we do. We embrace the new Equality Act which includes a new public sector equality duty towards:

Eliminating unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation
Advancing equality of opportunity for all
Fostering good relations between people of different backgrounds

To help us meet this duty the college has published the following information:

The work and achievements of what we have done around equality and diversity during 2010/11
Organisational profile including a breakdown of our staff by age, gender, disability and ethnicity. We have collected data on sexual orientation and religion and belief but have chosen not to publish this information.
Recruitment information including a breakdown of applicants and appointees by age, gender, disability and ethnicity. We have collected data on sexual orientation and religion & belief but have chosen not to publish this information.
Equality and Diversity objectives for 2011/12 - our key priorities for this academic year.

If you would like any more information please contact:

Frank Hanson
Equality and Diversity Manager
Boston College (De Montfort Campus)
Mill Road
Boston
PE21 0HF
Tel: (01205) 365701 Ext. 4460
Frank-h@boston.ac.uk

Single Equality Scheme

Equality and Diversity Poster

Equality and Diversity Action Plan

A College For All

LSIS Leading Inclusion Guide

Public Sector Equality Duty - January 2012

Page Last Updated : 24/01/2012 09:50:38