Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

At Inspire Education Group, we are committed to providing an environment where every student can reach their full potential, regardless of their background.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

At Inspire Education Group, education is a powerful tool for creating positive social change. We are committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and respected.

We champion equality of opportunity for all, irrespective of race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, religion or belief, age, or any other characteristic. Our 2024-2030 EDI strategic plan outlines championing Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) to forge a truly inclusive organisation where everyone has equal opportunity to succeed.

 

Equal Opportunities

As an organisation we have developed a strategy to provide a structured and strategic approach to championing Equality, Diversity and Inclusion across the Group.

The strategy provides the organisation with a holistic approach to embedding EDI in all that we do, ensuring we are cultivating a thriving workforce, creating an excellent learner experience and empowering communities to thrive.

As part of our wider commitment to EDI we are committed to becoming a signatory of the AoC EDI Charter, pledging to create equitable and accessible educational experiences for all students.

The strategy will be supported by the work of the organisation’s EDI committee which oversees operations, supported by our EDI Community of Practice, project steering groups and peer support networks.

AoC’s equity, diversity and inclusion charter – public statement by colleges

The UK is a multinational, multi-ethnic, and multi-faith society where our strengths and values are rooted in our culture. The further education sector reaches millions of students, staff and many communities in every town and city across the country and is uniquely placed to bring about transition and transformation in our society.

Colleges are centres where students belong.

This is our public statement of commitment to providing equity and creating an inclusive culture in which all our staff, learners and communities can thrive.

We recognise that:

• it is socially, morally and economically right to prepare our learners for life and work in a world that is diverse.
• equity and inclusion are fundamental if we are to make the most of our diversity.
• we will be judged by our actions and the impact of those actions.

We commit to:

• ensuring equity and inclusion are reflected in our curriculum.
• putting diversity and inclusion at the heart of our employment policies and practices.
• listening to, and reflecting on our obligations to, the communities we serve.
• encouraging those with whom we contract to support our commitments.

We will lead by example, tracking our impact by:

• setting organisational and individual objectives monitored by the board.
• identifying short- and medium-term success measures appropriate to our context.
• publicising progress and the difference we have made in our annual report.

Rachel Nicholls and David Pennell has made a commitment of support to adopt AoC’s equity, diversity and inclusion charter.

26 March 2025

EDI Policy

Our EDI Policy outlines our commitment to creating an inclusive environment, free from discrimination, where opportunities are accessible to all. It sets out our responsibilities, expectations, and the steps we take to ensure fairness and equity across our organisation.

We encourage all members of our community to familiarise themselves with our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Policy.

 

Our Commitment to being a College of Sanctuary

At IEG, we are proud to be part of the College of Sanctuary initiative, reflecting our commitment to creating a safe, welcoming and inclusive space for all.

This national movement envisions the UK as a place of safety and offer sanctuary, especially to those fleeing conflict, persecution or hardship in their own country. We are dedicated to supporting individuals seeking sanctuary, embracing diversity and fostering a culture of understanding, respect, and equality within our community.

We proudly endorse the City of Sanctuary charter and pledge to provide an environment where everyone feels valued, supported and empowered. Together, we are working to build a brighter, more inclusive future for all.

 

Care Leaver Covenant

We are proud to have signed the Care Leaver Covenant, pledging our commitment to supporting care leavers transition from care through practical support and opportunities.

The Care Leaver Covenant is a network of private, public and voluntary organisations which work to provide bespoke opportunities for care leavers including additional support packages to access university, employment offers and a dedicated platform to connect care leavers with opportunities.

 

Carer Friendly Tick Award

We are pleased to have achieved the Carer Friendly Tick Award, demonstrating our dedication to identifying and supporting carers. 

We recognise the impact that caring responsibilities can have on the wellbeing and learning of our students and colleagues. Inspire Education Group is committed to championing the needs of carers and ensuring access to support.

 

White Ribbon UK

IEG have pledged support for White Ribbon UK in ending violence against women and girls.

 

It's Not Banter

The campaign tackles the prevalence of prejudiced comments disguised as "banter," which creates a disempowering environment for students, staff and parents.
The rise of external social and political tensions (Brexit, Covid-19, Rwanda Bill, Trans inclusion debates) has coincided with an increase in online abuse and discriminatory language in wider society. This trend has unfortunately impacted educational settings within Peterborough and beyond. The "It's Not Banter" campaign aims to combat these issues by working collaboratively with schools and education institutions.

As part of the campaign we looked to provide resources to schools and education institutions to support having the difficult conversations, integrate inclusion to PSHE and lessons alongside so much more.

Find Out more here & Download our toolkit: www.ieg.ac.uk/its-not-banter-toolkit

Guidance & Support:

Our Stories: College of Sanctuary

Options after Leaving College: Care leavers Guide

Equal Opportunities

Our commitment is to go beyond legislation and to be recognised as a leader of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. We are proud to be a College of Sanctuary and achieve the Rainbow Flag award status. As part of our wider commitment to EDI we are committed to becoming a signatory of the AoC EDI Charter, pledging to create equitable and accessible educational experiences for all students.