Newham College was recently visited by Ben Summerskill, the Chief Executive of the UK-based Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual equality organisation Stonewall.

Ben Summerskill, the Chief Executive

With Newham College recently ranking 32nd on the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index 2010, Ben congratulated the college on its position as the only FE educational institution to appear on the index; a the definitive national benchmarking exercise that showcases Britain's top employers for lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) staff. 

Speaking to a packed out room of attentive staff, the visit was scheduled to coincide with LGBT month which runs throughout February annually; a four week period set up to celebrate the lives and achievements of the LGBT community at large. Talking openly and proudly of the headway Stonewall have made in recent years, Ben also emphasised the need for more action to combat homophobia on a national level.

"Newham College is immensely proud of its ranking on the Stonewall Index and Ben's speech today was truly inspiring. With Newham being one of the most diverse boroughs in the whole country it is vital we take every kind of equality and diversity extremely seriously. I think it is testament to our continued hard work in these areas that today’s visit was full to capacity with staff” Christine Freestone - Human Resources Director

Newham College constantly strives to be inclusive and to reflect the local community. With more than 110 languages spoken in Newham, it is without doubt one the most varied populations of any borough in London. Therefore Newham College of Further Education is an open access institution, which means that all sections of the community are encouraged to study at the College, and all applicants will be offered a place on a course regardless of qualifications, age, race, sex, or indeed, sexual orientation.

Homophobic bullying causes permanent damage to young people and blights the schools and colleges where it takes place. Making all young people - regardless of their sexuality - feel included and valued is a major opportunity for the educational system to transform the lives of a significant number of pupils and students. With this said, Ben Summerskill and Stonewall recently launched a competition for young people aged between 16-21.

If you are between these ages and want to do something against homophobic bullying? Then produce a film clip with a positive message against homophobic bullying to win great prizes and get your message heard across the country!  Your clip can be any style you like - from documentary to animation. Record on mobile phone/ webcam/ DV-camcorder/ digital camera.

For more information please see:

http://www.stonewall.org.uk/education_for_all/events/2483.asp

Newham College of Further Education was recently ranked 32 on the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index 2010. This is a definitive national benchmarking exercise that showcases Britain’s top employers for lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) staff.

Over 350 applications were submitted from companies on both the private and public sectors and participation in the Index has more than doubled since 2006. This has resulted in the fact, to win a place in the Top 100, an organisation’s score needed to be 10 per cent higher than in 2009.

Improving on last year when the College was ranked 39th, we remained the highest ranking educational institution in the Stonewall Index for the second year running. The only other two educational institutions to make the top 100 employers were Imperial College (79th) and Liverpool John Moores University (85th).

The staff feedback showed that employees who feel able to be open about their sexual orientation are significantly happier with their employer than those who are not out. They feel more supported by Managers, build better relationships with their colleagues and are more loyal to their employer.

This is yet another landmark achievement recognising the extent and depth of the College's leadership of, commitment to and action on equality and diversity.