Race equality in further education

Citation

(2006), "Race equality in further education", Education + Training, Vol. 48 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/et.2006.00448dab.003

Race equality in further education

Success rates for Black and ethnic-minority learners in further education (FE) colleges have improved at an above average rate, according to the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted). Race Equality in Further Education highlights that most of the colleges inspected are meeting their responsibilities under the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000. Success rates for Black and ethnic-minority learners have improved at an above average rate, with half of the colleges surveyed saying that they have noticed improvements across all racial groups. However, inspectors found that there is a lack of Black and ethnic-minority staff in senior positions and on governing bodies in FE colleges and not enough colleges are taking action to support their career development.

Inspectors found that, in many of the FE colleges visited, there are good procedures in place to tackle racism and harassment, and race-related complaints are rare. However, there is still work to be done to promote good race relations in a systematic way, and embed equality and diversity in the curriculum. Inspectors found a strong commitment by colleges to involving the community, resulting in good participation on FE courses from Black and ethnic-minority learners.