Coleg y Cymoedd has received the Silver FairPlay Employer Award

30th January 2019

Coleg y Cymoedd, one of the largest providers of Education and Training in Wales, has received the Silver FairPlay Employer Award.

This award recognises the college’s commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive environment for employees and learners, and their investment of time and effort in staff engagement.

The college results were a very strong Silver with some areas coming close to scoring a Gold! They showed a particular strength in business diversity, working relationships and learning and development. It is clear that the college works hard on creating an inclusive environment for employees and learners with a lot of time and effort invested in in staff engagement.
Alison Dacey
Employer Partner, Chwarae Teg

The college provides learning opportunities for an estimated learner population of 20,000, supported by a budget of in excess of £40 million, across four sites: Ystrad Mynach, Nantgarw, Aberdare and Rhondda Cynon Taff.

Learners come from the local communities as well as from further afield in the UK, Europe and the Middle East for specialist learning programmes.

The FairPlay Employer survey showcased the positive environment the college is creating with their focus on equality and diversity with 91% of respondents stating that they agree diversity is embraced at all levels, and 86% agreeing that they work in an inclusive environment. 91% agreed that workplace relationships are positive with 87% agreeing their opinions are listened to and treated with respect.

I am delighted that the College has been recognised for the work that it does to promote gender equality in the workplace. Having a diverse workforce is vitally important to our success, we recognise the importance of developing policies and practice that supports our workforce.
Karen Phillips
Principle, Coleg y Cymoedd

The College is committed to providing high quality, diverse, varied and relevant education and training opportunities for the local communities it serves. Through its Communities First provision, the College offers free training courses with courses such as literacy and numeracy, IT and employability skills being offered.

Their vision is “to be an excellent college focused on learner success” though their core values:

  • Learner focus: placing the interests of our learners at the heart of our college and providing exceptional teaching and learning
  • Continuous improvement: Fostering excellence in all that we do
  • Developing People: Recognising contribution and developing people within a healthy, supportive and inclusive environment
  • Positive Values and Culture: Advocating positive professional relationships with our staff and learners
  • Partnerships across Communities: Actively seek partnerships that add value to all our activities