Each year in June, LGBTQ+ communities around the world come together to mark the Stonewall uprising in 1969 and celebrate diversity and difference. Pride Month is a time to honour, recognise, and listen to the voices of our colleagues, friends and family who identify as LGBTQ+. And at NCFE, that extends to a celebration of the diversity of our customers, learners and partners too.
NCFE was born in 1848 from the belief that no learner should be left behind – a mission rooted in inclusivity that still guides our purpose to this day.
Identifying actions and speaking up is an important place to start, and we’re always listening and learning about how we can achieve (and surpass) true equality and diversity throughout our organisation. And, whilst Pride Month is an important moment of visibility for LGBTQ+ people, it’s important to think about what we’re doing the other 11 months of the year to really embed this.
What are we doing?
Our EDI Committee’s purpose
At NCFE we’re committed to fostering an environment of equality, diversity, and inclusion. We believe that every individual, regardless of their background, identity, or circumstance, deserves respect, opportunity, and a voice. We actively promote diversity in all its forms and strive to create a culture where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to succeed. Only when people can bring their whole selves to work and study can they reach their full potential. Driving greater equity, diversity and inclusion is critical to making this a reality and allowing everyone to flourish. But there's always more to be done.
Through our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, we aim to cultivate a vibrant community that celebrates differences, embraces perspectives, and represents our community of learners.
The Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Committee has been established to promote and support a culture of equality, diversity, and inclusion within NCFE. The committee are working to identify barriers to diversity and inclusion, develop strategies to address them, and foster an environment where all individuals feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives.
The Chair of our EDI Committee, Allison Jones, expressed that: “Here at NCFE we’re on a journey to actively promote diversity in all its forms and strive to create a culture where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to succeed. Through our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, we aim to cultivate a vibrant organisation that celebrates differences, embraces perspectives, and is representative of our community of learners.”