The College is proud of the inclusive nature of its intake, that reflects Bolton's growing diversity and population change. Its equality policies have recently been updated in line with the Equality Act which came into force on October 1st 2010. This creates a set of protected characteristics under the law- age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership and pregnancy and maternity.

The College’s commitment to equality and diversity was endorsed by the Association of Colleges, who in November 2006 awarded Bolton Sixth Form College with the prestigious Beacon Award for Promoting Race Equality. In October 2007, OFSTED described promotion of equality and diversity at the College as "outstanding" and that it "permeates the life of the College".

The inspectors who visited the College were impressed by its Celebrating Diversity booklet that forms part of the induction programme for all new staff and students, which has received national acclaim, as well as its annual British Day event which celebrates cultural and ethnic diversity.

Both of these aim to promote greater understanding of and tolerance for others. For many students, the College is a first true experience of a multi-ethnic and multi-faith environment.

All new students and staff receive a copy of the booklet and accompanying training as part of their induction.

The College Principal Steve Wetton comments in the latest edition of the booklet:

"There are students and staff in College from many different walks of life and many different cultural, religious and ethnic backgrounds. This ability to recognise individuality and diversity is very much celebrated at College, but once the debate is set in motion, most people realise that the things that bind us together, things we have in common, are much more influential in our lives. As a College, we are one community with one fundamental purpose, to promote learning and achievement, and one set of values, based around treating people as we would have them treat us."

Our Assistant Principal, Mr Bob Hindle (pictured below) has received local and national acclaim for work in this area and heads diversitynetwork.org.uk , a site devoted to the sharing of resources and good practice on race equality. It is particularly aimed at colleges with a substantial number of ethnic minority, especially Asian students, who may face similar issues. We welcome any resources other colleges would like to display on the site and offer advice on queries colleagues may have on race equality issues via the 'contact us' link on the diversity network website.

Mr Bob Hindle Equal Opportunities Manager

Winner 2006 - 2007
Promoting Racial Equality

In November 2003, the College received a 'highly commended' accolade in the Network for Black Managers/Association of Colleges Beacon Award for Promoting Racial Equality.

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