Association of Colleges Equality and Diversity in Further Education Conference

Following the success of the first two Association of Colleges (AoC) conferences on equality and diversity in the further education workforce, AoC will be hosting a third conference on 10 March 2011; however, this event will be widened in scope to incorporate student issues as well as the workforce.

The event is designed to support colleges in meeting their duties and furthering equality and diversity in their workforce and student services. The statutory Codes of Practice for Employment and Further and Higher Education will come into force at the time of this conference and the major implications for colleges, both as employers and as education providers, will be discussed.

Equality and diversity is a central part of inspection. Currently it is a 'limiting' factor on overall effectiveness. In the future, it might change to an overarching expectation of outcomes for all learners.

The conference will explore the implications for college practice. The event includes plenary sessions, a choice of interactive workshops and an information zone with equality groups from both within the sector and nationally.

Confirmed speakers

• Katrina Lidbetter, Deputy Head of Strategy & Implementation, Government Equalities Office
• Daren Newman LLB, Director, In-Company Training Services Ltd
• Lenford White, Network for Black Professionals
• Mike Davis, HMI, Principal Officer for Learning and Skills, Ofsted

The conference also offers delegates an 'information zone' of equality and diversity organisations working in FE (sponsored by Learning and Skills Improvement Service).