Wales FE sector commits to progressing Anti-racist Wales agenda

CollegesWales/ColegauCymru (@ColegauCymru), and Black FE Leadership Group (BFELG) (@FeLeadership) have formed a strong partnership where both sides are committed to progressing the Anti-racist Wales agenda.

The organisations have established an official partnership and are working collaboratively to build a Wales where all learners have the right to world-class education, delivered in a safe, diverse and inclusive setting, within a sector which supports the wider community, employers and the economy.

Launch Event

An online launch of the partnership took place on 1 December 2021 where CollegesWales/ColegauCymru and the BFELG highlighted their ongoing work and joint priorities for the years ahead with a focus on challenging racism, closing attainment gaps in skills, training and employment outcomes amongst Black, Asian and minority ethnic learners, whilst also achieving an ethnically representative workforce, including in leadership and governance roles in FE. Minister for Social Justice, Jane Hutt MS also set out the priorities for Welsh Government.

CollegesWales/ColegauCymru Chair Guy Lacey, said,

“We’re keen to bring this agenda to the forefront of the FE sector in Wales, working together to build a Wales that is Anti-racist and to achieve the actions set out in the BFELG 10 Point Plan.”

Robin Landman OBE, from the BFELG Executive Team, added:

“It’s great to see how the partnership between BFELG and CollegesWales/ColegauCymru has come together so quickly, with high levels of commitment on both sides. Wales is showing real leadership in Anti-racism and we have a chance to make meaningful impact, building on the Welsh Government’s strong focus on creating an anti-racist Wales.”

CollegesWales/ColegauCymru Chief Executive Iestyn Davies, further added:

“We’re delighted to have established this important partnership with BFELG. We’re looking forward to working together, learning together, addressing challenges and making genuine progress towards an Anti-racist Wales.”

Cross Party Group for Further Education and Future Skills

A Senedd Cross Party Group event which focussed on race equality and FE was chaired by John Griffiths MS on 8 December 2021. The session, attended by a wide range of FE representatives, policy makers, political researchers and BFELG members discussed in more detail the actions we can all take to ensure an anti-racist Wales. Contributions from member organisations Cardiff and Vale College and Adult Learning Wales provided real life experiences and details of practical and proactive steps already being undertaken.