Association of Colleges | FREDIE Spotlight
Kirsti Lord from the Association of Colleges discusses the increased disadvantages for BAME students and staff, emphasising the need for better support and leadership diversity. Initiatives are being implemented to address these issues, but there is a need for sustained, long-term efforts to ensure inclusivity and representation at all levels.
Leadership in uncertain times…
Effective leadership during the Covid-19 crisis is crucial, as your actions now will have lasting impacts. It’s essential to communicate with clarity, empathy, and authenticity, while being mindful of how stress affects your team. Embrace silence, focus on fairness, and ensure your words and actions align to build trust. Your leadership will be remembered long after the crisis, so prioritise connection and maintain the values of FREDIE—Fairness, Respect, Equality, Diversity, Inclusion, Engagement—in every interaction.
FREDIE Spotlight: David Hughes
In this insightful interview, NCFD Chief Executive Solat Chaudhry talks with David Hughes, Chief Executive of the Association of Colleges, about the importance of embedding diversity in the workplace. They explore how fostering inclusivity and embracing the FREDIE principles—Fairness, Respect, Equality, Diversity, Inclusion, Engagement—can drive meaningful change across the education sector. Discover Hughes’ approach to leadership, his commitment to social justice, and why he believes in the power of diverse teams to achieve better outcomes.
Celebrating the very best champions of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion.
The NCFD Grand Awards 2020 celebrated the UK’s top champions of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion at Earls Court, London. This prestigious event honored businesses and individuals for their exemplary work in promoting FREDIE values, with standout recognitions including Huddersfield New College for the NCFD Top 100 Index and Steve Whitmore as Most Inspiring Individual of the Year. Hosted by Dr. Hanif Malik OBE, the evening highlighted the critical role of EDI in building better workplaces and communities across the UK.
National Centre for Diversity Launches Ground-breaking Supply Chain Verification Service to help SMES work with larger companies.
The National Centre for Diversity launched the “Supply Chain Verification Service” to support smaller suppliers in meeting equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) standards, aiding them in securing contracts with large organizations. Developed with industry leaders like Amey and Eiffage-Kier, this service verifies suppliers’ EDI credentials, providing them with a competitive edge. The online service assigns unique reference numbers to verified suppliers, simplifying their proof of commitment to good practices. This initiative aims to spread FREDIE (Fairness, Respect, Equality, Diversity, Inclusion, Engagement) values across the UK’s supply chains.
FREDIE Spotlight: Becky Hewitt
In this interview, Solat Chaudhry, NCFD Chief Executive, speaks with Becky Hewitt, Director of People at Leeds Building Society, about their EDI initiatives. Hewitt shares insights into their success at the NCFD Grand Awards 2019, the impact of their involvement with the Women in Finance Charter, and their rigorous recruitment process aimed at promoting diversity. She emphasises the importance of culture, continuous improvement through external accreditations, and the Society’s strategic focus on gender, mental health, and BAME representation in their workforce.
FREDIE Spotlight: Dr Shaid Mahmood
In this interview Dr. Shaid Mahmood, winner of the NCFD 2019 Most Inspiring Individual of the Year award, discusses the importance of diversity, leadership, and culture in organisations. He emphasises how effective leadership can harness diversity to achieve superior performance. Mahmood reflects on his impactful work in Leeds, his passion for education and sports, and his vision for further education. He also shares insights on the role of colleges in supporting diverse communities and the potential for restructuring in the Further Education sector.
Solat Chaudhry Interviews Colin Booth, Principal and Chief Executive of Leeds College Group
In this insightful one-on-one interview, Colin Booth, Principal and Chief Executive of Leeds College Group, shares his leadership philosophy and the crucial role of culture in driving success. Booth emphasises the importance of empowering teams by asking what they need to achieve ambitious goals—and then providing the necessary support. He reflects on pivotal moments from his career, explaining how culture and shared purpose outperform strategy in achieving transformational change. Booth’s approach to integrating diverse teams and promoting inclusivity offers valuable lessons for leaders in education and beyond.
NCFD Interviews Mike Regnier, CEO of Yorkshire Building Society
In this candid interview, Mike Regnier, CEO of Yorkshire Building Society, discusses his journey as a leader in championing Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI). Mike reflects on the shifting landscape, where white, male CEOs are increasingly vocal and confident in driving the EDI agenda. He shares his personal experiences, including initiatives like implementing a real living wage and the ongoing cultural transformation at YBS. Through practical examples and heartfelt insights, Mike emphasises the importance of culture, engagement, and momentum in fostering a more inclusive workplace, echoing his belief that “culture beats everything.”