In response to the promotion of equality, diversity and inclusion through methods including sponsored crèche facilities, subsidised bus travel and a new cashless catering system introduced to support students in receipt of free school meals, Truro and Penwith College is delighted that its continual commitment has been recognised by its reaccreditation as an Investor in Diversity by the National Centre for Diversity.

This quality mark has been awarded following a thorough assessment process that has involved actively engaging with students, staff, governors, local suppliers and the local community. The college has continued to meet the national standard, demonstrating that a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion is at the heart of the college’s work.

The re-accreditation reflects the high levels of individual support the college offers to ensure all of its students are able to make the best possible progress.

The report also highlighted a number of ways the college was tackling economic disadvantage to enable inclusion such as sponsored crèche facilities, subsidised bus travel and a new cashless catering system introduced to support students in receipt of free school meals.

The National Centre for Diversity assessor said: “I was struck by the commitment of college staff and their understanding of providing a beacon of support to local groups and services in a time of public sector austerity.”

One example highlighted in the report is the college’s longstanding commitment to working with the Penwith Older People’s Forum. A member said: “We have always found the college to be supportive and very open to sharing its resources with us, an organisation that supports older people in the Penwith area. From the word go, it was how can we help you? What do you need? Now, the college has resourced us with staff and student support and it is great to listen and work collaboratively with students and bring younger views and older views and experiences together.”

Mark Arnold, director of quality, said: “Diversity and inclusion are central to the college’s culture and it is a credit to the staff at the college that these values are being converted into effective actions to promote inclusion and celebrate diversity both within the college and the local community. We are wholeheartedly committed to providing an inclusive environment in which learners, staff and all stakeholders feel valued, respected and able to fulfil their potential.”