BSL
In line with the British Sign Language (Scotland) Act 2015, NCL has developed a British Sign Language Plan to enhance support for the deaf community. Our BSL Action Plan 2024-2029 aligns with the core themes of the national plan, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to advancing BSL support through expanded teaching resources. NCL is dedicated to promoting and supporting the use and understanding of British Sign Language, ensuring its integration within our college community. This plan also reflects our broader commitment to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all students, regardless of background.
Equality Impact Assessments
The Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) process continues to support the college in mainstreaming equality in all its day-to-day functions. A number of policies and activities have been supported by the EQIA process. Examples are wide ranging and include: Dogs on Campus Policy, Learner Behaviour Policy, All Staff Essential Learning Modules, First Aid Policy & Procedure (Mental Health & Physical First Aid) and Family Friendly Policies.
However, we recognise that work is still required to ensure staff have the confidence and awareness of equality considerations during decision-making processes, e.g. the importance of consultations and involvement of protected groups. To this end, EQIA guidance has been developed to support with the EQIA process and this has resulted in more staff connecting with the EDI Adviser to ensure a more thorough and comprehensive EQIA is completed. Future plans will also involve facilitating drop-in surgeries and training in EQIA completion.
Training
Our Staff Development Academy (SDA) is a team dedicated to supporting staff through their professional learning journey, working towards a culture of maximising and celebrating opportunities. Furthering our commitment to mainstreaming equality in 2023, the Staff Development Academy launched a new course ‘All Staff Essential Learning’ package.
The courses were developed by NCL staff for NCL staff, promoting the importance of working safely and effectively in relation to a range of critical issues including equality and diversity. The course contains five modules and completion of them all is an essential requirement for NCL staff.
-
- In 2023/24 the package included the module ‘Equality, diversity and inclusion at NCL – The Basics’, and was completed by 91% of staff.
- In 2024/25 the package included the module ‘Understanding Race and Racism at NCL – The Basics’ and was completed by 93% of staff.
- In 2023/24 the package included the module ‘Equality, diversity and inclusion at NCL – The Basics’, and was completed by 91% of staff.
Determined to continue the success of these modules, efforts are now in progress to design the next All Staff Essential Learning Course for 2025/26.