National Equality Outcomes (NEOs)
In 2019, the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) and Scottish Funding Council (SFC) entered into a strategic partnership to enhance leadership and oversight in tackling persistent inequalities in the tertiary system.
This resulted in a series of National Equality Outcomes (NEOs) being developed with an expectation that colleges and universities across Scotland contribute to these as part of their Public Sector Equality Duty.
NEOs were published by the SFC in January 2023. For this next reporting cycle, we have aligned the NEOs to the college's Equality Outcomes 2025-2029. Between now and April 2027, we will take appropriate measures to contribute to the achievement of these NEOs, where relevant to our students and staff.
Equality Outcomes 2025 – 2029
Our refreshed Equality Outcomes 2025 – 2029, are largely focused on continuing some of our current equality outcomes (with revisions) for some of the 25-29 cycle, subject to review in 2027, whilst also contributing to the national equality outcomes.
We acknowledge there is no one size fits all approach to achieving equality and inclusion and we also acknowledge this is not something which can be achieved overnight. Therefore, we want to remain measured with our approach.
Our decision to continue our current equality outcomes has been based on a number of factors.
Whilst the college has made significant progress in achieving our equality outcomes, we feel there are still areas of work which are outstanding which we would like to address. This is in part due to the fact that our Equality Outcomes 2021-2025 were tackling issues which are unfortunately entrenched and far-reaching within society. Having set clear foundations to build on further, the college will redouble its efforts in tackling the most persistent inequalities in society.
By adopting this approach, the college is not only advancing its internal equality priorities but also contributing to the broader national equality agenda. This dual focus ensures a more co-ordinated and impactful response to some of the most long standing and complex inequalities.
The college has also used internal and external evidence relating to different protected characteristics to inform our decision. Internal evidence has been supplemented with national and sector wide priorities in relation to persistent inequalities. Some of our evidence includes:
-
- SFC College Staff Data
- Scotland Census 2022
- Scottish Trans and Non-binary Experiences Report 2024
- LGBT Health and Wellbeing: Trans People and Work Report
- Life in Scotland report for LGBT Young People in 2022
- Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Act 2023
- Emily Test / Equally Safe Strategy
- Women and Equalities Committee Sexual harassment of women and girls in public place Report
- EHRC Tackling Racial Harassment: Universities challenged
- SFC/EHRC Persistent Inequalities Report
- Hate Crime in Scotland Statistics
- NCL Internal Staff Data and Student Records
- NCL's LGBT+ Consultation
- NCL Wellbeing Academy Survey
- NCL Student Satisfaction Surveys
More importantly, the college has also listened to our college community to ensure we are working towards equality outcomes which are the most appropriate for us as an institution. Consultation was undertaken in the form of drop-in sessions and staff and students had the opportunity to contribute to our decision to continue the current equality outcomes. To ensure as many voices as possible were represented, three separate drop-in sessions were facilitated.
Dedicated sessions were also facilitated with our EDI Committee, Academic Leaders and Professional Services Leads.
Our Executive Board has finalised, approved and endorsed the final equality outcomes.
Equality Outcome 1
NCL will provide a safe and inclusive environment for all staff and students from different protected characteristics, creating a sense of belonging.
Equality Outcome 2
NCL will create a culture where students and staff feel confident discussing disabilities, including mental health, and are confident in accessing the appropriate supports.
Equality Outcome 3
LGBT+ staff and students experience feeling safe being ‘out’ at college.
Equality Outcome 4
Staff and students feel confident in identifying and addressing racial and religious discrimination.