Our students are extremely important to us and are at the heart of all that we do here at South Staffordshire College.
Our Student Services team are here to provide you with support throughout your college journey. On this page you’ll find lots of useful information to show how you can access support whilst at college.
Your wellbeing is very important to us. We know that sometimes you might need some extra support in order to stay on top of things. Our mentors are on hand to help you with any issues that may be affecting your ability to learn and enjoy your time with us.
What can I talk to the mentor about?
You can talk to your college mentor about anything that’s troubling you in or outside of college. This could include relationship issues, financial concerns, substance misuse, course related issues or any other worries or anxieties you may have.
Your mentor will offer support and can liaise with tutors and external agencies on your behalf, if required.
How does mentoring work?
The mentoring team work on an appointment system basis offering a 1:1 service to all our learners. All conversations are confidential unless the mentor is concerned about your safety. They may then need to discuss your situation with someone else, in order to help you.
How can I contact mentors?
Every campus has access to a mentor, and you can make contact either by phone, text or email to arrange an appointment or seek advice.
At South Staffordshire College we are committed to safeguarding our learners. We have a moral as well as a statutory duty to ensure that we protect and promote the welfare of children, young people and adults who are at risk of harm.
What is Safeguarding?
Everyone at South Staffordshire College shares the responsibility for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, irrespective of individual roles.
We commit to:
Providing a safe learning environment for young people and adults.
Ensuring appropriate action is taken to make sure that children, young people and vulnerable adults are kept safe in the college environment and during college related activities.
Ensuring all staff undertakes safeguarding training. Our safeguarding team are trained to a more advanced level. We have a Designated Safeguarding Lead who has accountability for all children, young people and vulnerable adults who study with us.
Identifying and supporting those who are suffering or are likely to suffer significant harm or who are at risk of radicalisation
Making certain that disclosures of potential abuse occurring at home or elsewhere are appropriately referred to relevant external agencies.
Developing safeguarding policies and procedures which are consistent with the local Safeguarding Children board.
Stand up for democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect. Fundamental British values are at the heart of everything we do. We also encourage our students to show tolerance for those with different faiths and beliefs. You’ll see these values demonstrated in our tutorials and all areas of our curriculum. Make sure you respect them too.
Who are the Safeguarding team and how do I contact them?
What can I do if I am concerned for my safety and the college is closed?
If you have any Safeguarding concerns when the college is closed, you should contact either your Local Authority Out of Hours Social Care number for any concerns relating to a child (under 18).
Alternatively, if you feel that you or any other student is at immediate risk and in need of protection you should contact the Police immediately (999 emergency, 101 non-emergency).
What is the College’s Safeguarding policy?
You can view the colleges safeguarding policies below:
Everyone – students, staff and visitors – must always wear their ID card around their neck when in or around any of the college buildings.
You’ll also need your ID card to access buildings, use our printers and photocopiers.
Code of conduct
Follow the Learner Code of Conduct/ABC Standards and be mindful of how you interact with others both in person and when online.
Equality and Diversity
Equality, Diversity & Sustainability
The College policy on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) is driven at an organisational level by a committed Senior Leadership Team supported by the College Leadership Team and cross-college engagement of staff and learners. EDI is embedded throughout policies and procedures across all aspects of operation and is overseen by The Equality and Diversity Committee. Related procedures include (not an exhaustive list):
Bullying and harassment
Grievance
Health & Safety
Safeguarding
Whistleblowing
At operational level Equality and Diversity is promoted ensuring that all staff receive appropriate training (managed and planned via an annual appraisal process), are informed of their responsibilities and monitored and supported in their ongoing development. All marketing materials and campaigns are designed to promote and encourage Equality and Diversity and we ensure learners are aware of our commitment by proactively promoting our values via, for example; induction, learning content, promotional materials. A portfolio of 14 tools, accessible via the intranet, is available to assist staff in communicating this commitment.
Our Equality and Diversity policies and procedures ensure that:
We avoid reinforcing stereotypes
We identify and address mobility and access issues
We examine and equality impact assess all of our policies and procedures to avoid an unintentionally negative impact on any group with a protected characteristic
We comply with all legislation
We place equality at the centre of our decision making
We work with others who are aware of, and comply with, the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, the employment Equality Act 1998 and the Equal Status act 2000
All staff are aware of their responsibilities and participate in Equal Opportunities and Disabilities Awareness training, including the identification of hidden disabilities
Equal opportunities extends to the recruitment and advancement of staff
Equality and Diversity Objectives
Foster good relations between different groups
Promote the Harassment and Bullying procedure to learners
Narrow the success and achievement gap of different groups (EDIMS Targets) and ensure that all – learners achieve at least 5% above national averages
Ensure that there is a continued analysis of staff and learners in line with statutory requirements
Increase understanding and awareness of Equality and Diversity
Sustainability
Sustainability is one of South Staffordshire College’s core principles. The College has placed the protection of the environment at the heart of what it does. We are devoted to informing both current and future students, staff and partners of the College’s environmental sustainable activities, including:
• Our stunning BREEAM Excellent building at Rodbaston
• Celebrating being the first FE College in England and Wales to achieve certification to ISO14001.
We also have two large turbines installed at Rodbaston that contribute green energy to the College and the national grid.