Black History Month 2025: In Words and Actions – Our Commitment to Stand Firm in Inclusion and Safety

The message of this year’s Black History Month is clear: Standing firm in Power and Pride. Despite challenges and differences, there is beauty and power in shared heritage. And so, as the community reflects on its history, it is also being called to action — to embrace that power, to speak it loudly, and to stand together in unity and pride.

At WM College, our September staff conference was on Anti-Racism. In the Further Education sector, the challenges are real and long-standing. The “Chronology of FE Anti-Racism Challenges” by The Black Leadership Group underscores how Black staff and students have repeatedly faced structural barriers, underrepresentation, and inequities. By choosing to confront these issues rather than defer them, we reaffirm our institution’s purpose: to uplift every learner and staff member, regardless of race, background, or status.

This month is not merely a celebration; it is a reminder that the journey toward true inclusion and anti-racism demands vigilance, courage, and accountability. This is also a stark reflection on the growing levels of fear, anxiety, and uncertainty currently being experienced across many communities, particularly in relation to changes in immigration policy, residency status, and access to English language provision. We recognise that these external factors can cause distress and have a direct impact on our learners, staff, and the communities we serve.

Our Current Work: Turning Values into Action

We want to be clear: our commitment to anti-racism is not rhetorical. Over the past year, WM College has taken deliberate steps to embed this work across the organisation:

· Staff across the board have completed anti-racism training – this was not optional, and it forms part of ongoing capacity building.

· We are reviewing our curriculum, assessment methods, and support systems to ensure they are inclusive and equitable.

· We are gathering and analysing data on student and staff experience by ethnicity to identify gaps and trends.

· We are aligned with the AoC EDI charter and have an EDI pledge and policy that we adhere to.

· We are strengthening governance oversight – ensuring trustees and governors are informed, challenged, and accountable for equity work.

· We are improving internal reporting and feedback mechanisms so that any incident or concern about discrimination is addressed transparently.

These are not token gestures. They are part of a long-term journey in which we will never be complacent.

Why This Work Matters Now

The wider environment is under pressure:

· Demand for low-level ESOL provision is soaring.

· Migration policy changes, reduction in provision, and public rhetoric around deportation are causing fear and confusion.

· Some staff and learners feel unsafe in public spaces or when commuting in areas with high tension.

· Learners arrive wanting to learn English but find classes full and waiting lists growing.

…In this context, educational institutions must be anchors of stability, safety, and justice. Silence or inaction is not an option.

Our commitment, Reaffirmed

At WM College, we stand firm as an inclusive and welcoming learning community, committed to ensuring that every learner and member of staff feels safe, respected, and supported.

· We have zero tolerance for racism, discrimination, harassment, or hostility of any kind.

· We do not prescribe political ideology, but we insist on respect, decency, and safety in all interactions.

· We commit to continuous review, training, and accountability – this is not a one-time initiative, but ongoing work.

· We believe education is an act of empowerment – every learner and member of staff should feel valued, heard, and supported.

· We continue to work closely with sector partners, local authorities, and community organisations to ensure that our English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) provision remains accessible, fair, and transparent.

· We will continue to provide staff training and community engagement initiatives that promote understanding, respect, and solidarity, reflecting our shared values and responsibilities as a learning institution.

· We have strengthened our staff wellbeing and safety measures, including localised risk assessments, supporting staff through peer engagement and safeguarding processes.

Call to Action: Together We Move Forward

To staff, learners, governors, and partners – this is our collective work. I invite you to:

1. Engage actively – bring feedback, voice, and ideas into the process.

2. Challenge bias when you see it; be an ally and an advocate.

3. Hold us accountable – demand transparency, measurement, and progress.

4. Stay committed year-round, not only in October.

Finally, pointing to the message of this year’s Black History month – Standing Firm in power and pride, if we question “What power?” there is only one answer: the power we have always held — to resist, to create, to lead, and to inspire. This month, and every month, we stand firm in that power. And we take pride in it.

With gratitude and determination, Dipa Ganguli OBE, CEO / Principal