College has 'no tolerance approach' but worries not all incidents are reported
Bosses at South Devon College tonight revealed they worry some racist incidents are going unreported - and regularly review diversity data to see what else they could do.
Last updated 8th Nov 2021
South Devon College tonight became the latest organisation to appear before the ongoing Torbay Racism Review - looking at how local public bodies including the NHS, fire and police are approaching diversity issues and what changes are needed.
The review, founded and chaired by Ellacombe councillor Jermaine Atiya-Alla, tonight heard 96 per cent of learners are 'white' with only three per cent from a BAME background.
Around 10 per cent of staff identify as BAME and while reported incidents are 'low' there has been incidents of pupils abusing staff - which were often addressed through a restorative approach, or staff taking time to speak with and educate those responsible.
More than 50 pupils are members of the college's international club, which was founded after the potentially preventable death of a learner.
Bosses say the group works as a community to support each other and they have a zero tolerance to any form of bullying or harrasment.
Bosses tonight confirmed they worry racist incidents might be under-reported but they have a 'robust' reporting process and regularly ask themselves 'what more could we do'.
South Devon College has recently started a new 'whisper' reporting system where students can anonymously raise any concerns.
Laurence Frewin, CEO and Principal at South Devon College says he had been 'moved' by the way the college community reacted to the death of US man George Floyd - which sparked the global Black Lives Matter movement. He believes the college has an important responsibility to educate current and future learners about race and diversity issues.
The senior leadership team meet once a month to review 'performance monitors' - which includes equality and diversity - to 'see what are the gaps' and how they could address them.
A member of the board is from a BAME background and also serves as the equality and diversity advisor.
The meeting heard the college tries to understand reasons for staff leaving, including conducting exit interviews and also research into how new starters found the recruitment process.
The college say tutors will get to know learners and support any needs or vulnerabilities and they have a 'positive intervention' scheme where specialists - outside of the traditional teaching sphere - can offer support and are not directly linked with the learner's course.
Next week the college is supporting anti-bullying initiatives including a 'one kind word' scheme for students to leave Post It notes dotted around - including on bathroom mirrors - to offer positivity.
Students will also be encouraged to dress as they feel in order to express themselves.
Bosses say they regularly listen to the student voice and monitor achievement outcomes for all learners.
For the Devon CCG's appearance before the committee click here
For the Torbay & South Devon NHS evidence session click here
For the Devon & Cornwall Police evidence session click here
For more about the Devon & Somerset fire service appearing click here
For more about the chair of the review, councillor Jermaine Atiya-Alla being targeted in a hate crime click here
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