Equality and Diversity
Halesowen College values social and cultural diversity and aims to ensure you will find the College to be an inclusive and welcoming place to study. We are a learner focused organisation with values based on trust, integrity and respect. We seek to provide a working environment free from harassment, discrimination and victimisation. We will not tolerate any form of discriminatory behaviour against actual or potential learners, visitors or employees.
The College aims to actively promote equality of opportunity and challenge discriminatory attitudes. Equality and diversity affects everyone as we all work in diverse teams with people of different genders, ethnic origins, sexual orientation, ability, beliefs, values, and working styles. It is important to understand what we mean by equality and diversity, how it impacts on everyday life, and the reasons for and benefits of promoting it. We are committed to creating an inclusive College, where people are treated with dignity and respect and where we anticipate and respond positively to different needs and circumstances so that everyone can achieve their potential.
The college uses a range of events and activities including training and workshops to raise understanding and awareness with the aim of developing diversity and inclusion skills. The college takes any allegation of hate, bullying, victimisation or harassment extremely seriously and will take disciplinary action in the event of any substantiated claim.
College of Sanctuary
We were the first College in the West Midlands to be awarded the College of Sanctuary accolade in recognition of the safe, welcoming environment we provide for everyone, but particularly for those students who are asylum seekers, refugees or migrants. We are committed to providing an environment where our whole community can Learn, Succeed and Flourish. Birmingham is a City of Sanctuary; to read more about the City of Sanctuary initiative you can download and view the City of Charter on this page.
Our Equality and Diversity Champions
Connection Benches
The Connection Benches at Halesowen College are a symbol of care, inclusivity and kindness, core values of our community. It offers a welcoming space for both students and staff who may feel isolated, overwhelmed or simply in need of a friendly chat or moment of connection. By inviting people to sit together, the bench encourages spontaneous conversations between strangers, friends and colleagues, helping to foster a sense of belonging and emotional support across the college.
Reporting a hate crime:
- Race or ethnicity
- Religion or belief
- Sexual orientation
- Gender identity
- Disability
Support links and information:
Birmingham LGBT
A leading charity in Birmingham providing advocacy and support for the local LGBTQ+ community, with various services including counselling and support for older adults.
The What? Centre
Located in Dudley, this centre offers a safe space for LGBTQ+ individuals to meet, make friends, and attend workshops or social events.
Galop
A national charity supporting LGBTQ+ individuals experiencing hate crime, domestic abuse, or sexual violence.
Mermaids
A national charity that supports transgender, non-binary, and gender-diverse children and young people, their families, and the professionals who care for them.
Autism West Midlands
This charity provides direct support to autistic people and their families across the West Midlands, covering all age groups and abilities. You can find more information on their website
Autism Central Hub
This initiative, run by Contact and Ambitious about Autism, provides guidance and support for families, carers, and personal assistants of autistic individuals through groups and one-to-one sessions.
West Midlands Faith Alliance
The West Midlands Faith Alliance is a multi-faith and community-led regional network, supported and facilitated by the West Midlands Violence Reduction Partnership (WMVRP), working to equip, enable and empower communities of all faiths and none, to better understand and prevent violence.
Thrive into Work Neurodiversity Service
This service offers employment support for neurodivergent individuals in the Birmingham and Solihull area, including help with finding work, talking to employers, and managing benefits.
Genius Within
A social enterprise specialising in neurominority inclusion, offering coaching, assessments, and employment support for neurodivergent individuals.
Kooth
An online, self-referral mental health support service available to children and young people.
Birmingham Race Impact Group (BRIG)
A consortium of activists and academics working to promote racial justice in Birmingham and the wider West Midlands. They focus on building an anti-racist future by rethinking local histories and supporting new activists and campaigners.
West Midlands support for Black, Asian and Minority ethnic groups
As experts on youth employment and unemployment, we are ideally placed to understand the complex landscape facing young people, employers and policymakers.
The West Midlands Youth Interfaith Hub
Supported by The Faith and Belief Forum, this group of young people promotes social change and interfaith understanding through collaborative community work.
KnowHate
Dudley Local authority hate crime reporting page.
Whittingham Road
Halesowen
B63 3NA
Tel: 0121 602 7777
New Road
Halesowen
B63 3HY
Tel: 0121 602 8500
Dudley Road
Halesowen
B63 3NT
Tel: 0121 602 7694
Coombs Wood Business Park
Coombs Road
B62 8BB
Tel: 0121 602 7770