Valuing diversity at Wigan & Leigh College: Culture change achieved through new policies, practices, training and development

Abstract

Purpose

Examines how Wigan & Leigh College, in partnership with learning expert Academee, has put in place policies, practices, training and development to promote equality and inclusion for staff and students and to create a culture where diversity is valued.

Design/methodology/approach

Draws on information provided by the college's staff‐development co‐ordinator and by the director of diversity at Academee.

Findings

Describes how the strategic management team took part in a three‐day workshop to raise awareness of key issues and to expand the action plan. The college appointed internal equality and diversity champions. An ambitious target of training more than 150 college staff in under three months was achieved. Building on this, Academee and the college began to develop spin‐off training programmes aimed at different groups of staff.

Practical implications

Reveals that the college's mission statement and core values now reflect its focus on diversity and equality. There is an increased and broader awareness of equality and diversity across the college. Both staff and students are more conscious of how equality and diversity affect their day‐to‐day activities.

Originality/value

Shows that staff and students at the college have become increasingly diverse over the past four years, and the college is also helping to promote integration within the town as a whole.

Citation

(2007), "Valuing diversity at Wigan & Leigh College: Culture change achieved through new policies, practices, training and development", Human Resource Management International Digest, Vol. 15 No. 1, pp. 33-36. https://doi.org/10.1108/09670730710724089