The Rainbow Flag Award is a national quality assurance framework for any organisation that works with young people, focusing on positive LGBT+ inclusion and visibility.
Our Rainbow Flag recognises a whole-college approach to ensuring that every student feels valued and heard. The award recognises our partnership with Out North East and Gateshead Pride, the embedding of inclusivity throughout our curriculum and our on-campus support.
Nadine Hudspeth, Director of Brand and Student Experience, shared: “We’re thrilled to have received The Rainbow Flag Award. It’s really important that we create a safe and welcoming place where everyone feels they belong and where there are no barriers to success. This award recognises all the hard work of our staff to create a supportive and inclusive environment and I’m really proud of everything they’ve achieved. I hope that this accreditation will give those in the LGBTQIA+ community confidence that Gateshead College is a safe place to work and study.”
Our LGBTQIA+ student community group, established last year, received positive praise, with the report stating: “Your efforts in establishing an LGBTQIA+ group and championing inclusion within and beyond the college have been commendable. By celebrating key days and facilitating important discussions, you’ve created a supportive, educational environment. The positive feedback from both parents and students highlights the meaningful impact of your initiatives.”
Reviewers also highlighted our Celebrating Difference project, which gives Art, Design, and Photography students the opportunity to explore LGBT+ themes, artists, and topics within their work.
Our Library Team’s impactful displays and wealth of information for students were also praised: “There is so much information there for students to access and I am sure that this will be incredibly helpful to them. Your stance regarding LGBT+ inclusion is clearly one that is held by and reinforced across your whole organisation and the impact that this is having on students is clear.”
In addition, the award also recognises our efforts to combat homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying highlighting that “our commitment to foster an environment where such behaviours are not tolerated, ensures that all students feel safe, respected, and welcomed.”
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