Eastleigh College have been awarded with national Investors in Diversity status following a twelve-month accreditation process.

Investors in Diversity (IiD) is an award run by the National Centre for Diversity, acknowledging a business or organisation’s adherence to the Centre’s FREDIE values. FREDIE values include Fairness, Respect, Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Engagement.

An IiD accreditation sets an inclusive framework that is embodied throughout an organisation, boosting staff development, work culture and morale, while creating a more rewarding experience for learners.

Eastleigh College’s values of ambition, professionalism, resilience and respect have a five-year heritage and are central to our ethos, having become wholly embodied in everything we do. These values are the first thing a potential new colleague sees when they read a vacancy advert from us, a key element of discussion for learners at interview and are displayed for everyone to see throughout our common areas.

Paul Cox, Chief Executive of Eastleigh College, said: “To further develop as an organisation we identified the National Centre for Diversity (NCFD) as an organisation who could challenge us to further improve. Their FREDIE priorities are closely aligned to our own College values and I am delighted and very proud that our organisation has achieved Investors in Diversity status. This achievement is not an end but just the start of our continued commitment - my thanks to every learner, colleague, College partner and the NCFD.”

The importance of a diverse and inclusive academic culture is not to be understated. Race, age, disability, sexuality and religious belief are important aspects of an individual’s identity, with studies showing that these experiences can help bring fresh perspectives while encouraging critical thinking and personal growth. The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) further states: "Inclusion is where these differences are seen as a benefit and where perspectives and differences are shared, leading to better decisions”.

Despite this, the Pearson Diversity and Inclusion in Schools report recently found that one in three teachers believe that the diversity of pupils and the world around them is not reflected in education provided in the UK today, demonstrating the importance of improving this key area across the education sector.

Mickiela Blake, Head of HR at Eastleigh College, said: “We are pleased to be working with the NCFD and are continuing to develop our action plan to support our FREDIE initiatives that underpin the College values. This award recognises the commitment to FREDIE from our College staff.”

The National Centre for Diversity said: “We are thrilled to announce that Eastleigh College have achieved the Investors in Diversity Award. It is always our pleasure to assist organisations along their journey to Fairness, Equality, Diversity, Inclusion & Engagement.”

For more information, please contact us at BeBetter@eastleigh.ac.uk.