SUSTAINABILITY AND SOCIAL ACTION FRAMEWORK
Colleges, like all organisations, have a responsibility to address climate change and make necessary changes to help tackle this global issue. Here at Weston College we want to create, not just brighter futures, but greener ones too.
We're proud that all college stakeholders including our staff, learners and employers, are passionate advocates of making a difference to their communities.
To harness that drive for change, we must embed a "green, lean and socially responsible approach" in order to help sustain the world’s resources, reduce environmental impact and create the vibrant, positive and sustainable tomorrow.
On this page, you'll see our corporate aims to achieve this as well as examples of our current work and a link to read more in our full Sustainability and Social Action Framework document.
OUR AMBITION
To create a green, lean, socially responsible culture for staff and students to work together to build a ‘Net Zero College of the Future’, which champions green jobs, growth and careers – and uses social action to inclusively build a more sustainable and dynamic community, that can sustain and grow a progressive circular economy.
This will be achieved through the following key strands:
The Framework in action - using a 'Whole College - Whole System' approach
STRAND 1
COLLEGE
Reducing our carbon emissions and embedding a green, lean, socially responsible culture - for students and staff to come together, using strong green leadership, to sustainably work towards becoming a ‘Net Zero’ College of the Future.
STRAND 2
CAREERS
Upskilling to create the green change makers of the future. Working with employers and stakeholders to level up and champion inclusive green careers – so all learners prosper from a vibrant, progressive green economy. Cascade our ‘green, lean, socially responsible’ ethos, across all curriculum areas, and at all levels.
STRAND 3
COMMUNITY
Supporting our community to grow and thrive using social action projects, where students and staff work collaboratively - using green, lean and socially responsible principles, to create more sustainable, fairer neighbourhoods.
SUSTAINABILITY AND SOCIAL ACTION FRAMEWORK
INFRASTRUCTURE AND CULTURE
BEHAVIOUR AND CONSUMPTION
GREEN SKILLS AND CAREERS
SUPPLY CHAIN PARTNERSHIPS
SUSTAINABILITY / SOCIAL ACTION
ALTERNATIVE TRAVEL
STRAND 1: COLLEGE
OUR COMMITMENT TO BECOME A NET ZERO COLLEGE
Core aims
- To embed a strong college ethos of ‘green, lean social responsibility’ across the College in order to work towards ‘Net Zero’by 2050, - made possible through strong green leadership and governance and communicated through the College’s ‘Super Six’ Sustainability Principles, and championed through campaigns linked to #Let’s Go Net Zero.
- To become a ‘Net Zero’ role model for the education sector, regionally, nationally and internationally through creating collaborative partnerships aligned to key projects e.g. AoC - Beyond the FE Climate Action Roadmap - with success celebrated at every level, using a ‘Whole College – Whole System’ approach.
- To develop an ambitious carbon reduction plan with robust monitoring, measurement and compliance - secure capital investment to reduce the carbon footprint of its infrastructure and its population. Lead and share best practice nationally with regard to green accounting/investment to both future-proof a ‘Net Zero’ estate, and to encourage green re-investment in wider sustainability projects.
- To build a ‘green, lean and socially responsible’ supply chain, engaging with ethical partners who can promote and enhance a circular economy, and add social value to the community we serve.
- To create an environment which empowers staff, students and stakeholders to work together when designing ‘Net Zero’ solutions for each campus – which also improve wellbeing, biodiversity and work/life balance, and consider the role that technology plays in building a dynamic and efficient workforce.
- To support learners, staff and employers to upskill in carbon literacy, creating an inclusive ‘Net Zero’ talent pipeline who are passionate about tackling climate change and who can problem solve within a wider sustainability and social action context.
Key deliverables for 2024 to be reviewed annually:
- Launch the College’s Sustainability and Social Action Framework as the overarching ‘Towards Net Zero Strategy’ embedding the College’s ‘Super Six’ sustainability principles - with strong green leadership/governance in place.
- Bid for FE/HE capital/revenue grants to support the reduction of carbon emissions. Embed a digital mindset for greater efficiency of process; pioneer ‘green classroom management’ e.g. use of the Virtual Classroom.
- Reduce waste and energy and water consumption. Ensure ‘BREEAM’ for new builds with refurbishment using sustainable materials. Link with key government agencies e.g. DEFRA, BEIS, EA for a ‘Whole College - Whole System’ approach.
- Develop positive interaction with our supply chain, ensuring all tendering reflects a ‘Net Zero’/circular economy/social value approach. Support employers with a CPD training offer to collectively work towards ‘Net Zero’ as a region.
- Use an evidence based approach by establishing a robust carbon reduction accounting and reporting mechanism. Facilitate integration into the annual collegiate selfassessment/audit model for SMART target carbon emission monitoring – to ensure a process of continuous improvement exists.
- Ensure ‘Net Zero’ education/carbon literacy CPD is the norm for all learners and staff and motivation remains high using CE Hub curriculum integration; communication of the ‘Super Six’; use of #Let’s Go Net Zero campaigns and workforce development alignment.
STRAND 2: CAREERS
OUR COMMITMENT TO UPSKILL FOR GREEN CAREERS
Core aims
- To become an exemplar College for FE and HE for the implementation of the national green skills industrial revolution to ‘Build Back Greener’ - working in partnership with employers, learners, and key stakeholders e.g. WECA, the West of England IoT and and our National Centre for Excellence in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), to create an inclusive talent pipeline to grow the green jobs of tomorrow.
- To align to the AoC’s Green College Commitment to make climate and environmental skills/education an integrated part of all vocational and academic programmes across the College Group- championing inclusive ‘green’ apprenticeships/ traineeships/T Levels, adult retraining opportunities e.g., Skills Bootcamps, and higher technical pathways - as per DfE policy.
- To support the aims of the National Climate Education Plan, as well as exploring alternative learning environments linked to nature, as an inclusive vehicle for re-engagement. Embed volunteering to build confidence, enhance problem solving/ entrepreneurialism, and to develop learning about wider sustainability for greater climate change reliance.
- To invest in CPD and the innovative technologies required to upskill the College’s workforce to teach outstanding green skills, linking with University Centre Weston and the West of England IoT, to develop higher progression routes. Champion a global approach - being part of the WorldSkills UK Centre of Excellence/Innovation Network and through linkage to the World Federation of Colleges and Polytechnics.
- To embed a digital mindset, when curriculum planning to widen participation and extend geographical reach – utilising the expertise of the College’s learning technologists. Create innovation as a Microsoft Showcase College for wider immersive green skills delivery, and the streamlining of processes/systems with CPD to further support learners and staff.
- To measure and monitor green skills/career progression, using a ‘Whole College – Whole System’ approach to increase carbon literacy, capturing the employer and learner voice throughout with impact clearly understood by the College’s leadership board and governors.
Key deliverables for 2024 to be reviewed annually:
- Launch the College’s Sustainability and Social Action Framework as the overarching ‘Towards Net Zero Strategy’ embedding the College’s ‘Super Six’ sustainability principles - with strong green leadership/governance in place.
- Bid for FE/HE capital/revenue grants to support the reduction of carbon emissions. Embed a digital mindset for greater efficiency of process; pioneer ‘green classroom management’ e.g. use of the Virtual Classroom.
- Reduce waste and energy and water consumption. Ensure ‘BREEAM’ for new builds with refurbishment using sustainable materials. Link with key government agencies e.g. DEFRA, BEIS, EA for a ‘Whole College - Whole System’ approach.
- Develop positive interaction with our supply chain, ensuring all tendering reflects a ‘Net Zero’/circular economy/social value approach. Support employers with a CPD training offer to collectively work towards ‘Net Zero’ as a region.
- Use an evidence based approach by establishing a robust carbon reduction accounting and reporting mechanism. Facilitate integration into the annual collegiate selfassessment/audit model for SMART target carbon emission monitoring – to ensure a process of continuous improvement exists.
- Ensure ‘Net Zero’ education/carbon literacy CPD is the norm for all learners and staff and motivation remains high using CE Hub curriculum integration; communication of the ‘Super Six’; use of #Let’s Go Net Zero campaigns and workforce development alignment.
STRAND 3: COMMUNITY
OUR COMMITMENT TO SUPPORT COMMUNITY SOCIAL ACTION
Core aims
- To create a culture where social action education becomes the norm, where students, staff and the community work cohesively to enhance the lives of others to build a more fairer, sustainable society in line with the global vision - as laid down by the UN’s sustainable development goals.
- To use collaboration to build a network of social action partners, in a model where the sum is greater than the parts to help those most disadvantaged, using green spaces and environmental projects as a mechanism to connect and improve wider wellbeing.
- To become a champion of change to drive the sustainability and social action agenda forward in our local and regional communities, with visible engagement through volunteering - and on a national scale as a national leader of inclusive practice.
- To upskill our own staff, governors, learners and businesses to understand social action and create workforce development best practice as an ‘Investor in People Platinum’ where social action, sustainability, inclusion and wellbeing (as core organisational values) - can be harnessed to both benefit the community and create a better work/life balance.
- To develop social value measurement, monitoring and reporting processes to allow social value impact to be realised – ensuring that capital projects, the curriculum and supply chains are continually improving their social value designs.
- To align with cross cuttings themes (and the work of wider national/international agencies) as per the ‘Department of Education’s Sustainability and Climate Change strategy, e.g. National Education Nature Park and Climate Leaders’ Award - with linkage to wider international work to share best practice and to protect the coastal environment we serve - in line with the National Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Strategy.
Key deliverables for 2024 to be reviewed annually:
- Launch the College’s Sustainability and Social Action Framework as the overarching ‘Towards Net Zero Strategy’ embedding the College’s ‘Super Six’ sustainability principles - with strong green leadership/governance in place.
- Bid for FE/HE capital/revenue grants to support the reduction of carbon emissions. Embed a digital mindset for greater efficiency of process; pioneer ‘green classroom management’ e.g. use of the Virtual Classroom.
- Reduce waste and energy and water consumption. Ensure ‘BREEAM’ for new builds with refurbishment using sustainable materials. Link with key government agencies e.g. DEFRA, BEIS, EA for a ‘Whole College - Whole System’ approach.
- Develop positive interaction with our supply chain, ensuring all tendering reflects a ‘Net Zero’/circular economy/social value approach. Support employers with a CPD training offer to collectively work towards ‘Net Zero’ as a region.
- Use an evidence based approach by establishing a robust carbon reduction accounting and reporting mechanism. Facilitate integration into the annual collegiate selfassessment/audit model for SMART target carbon emission monitoring – to ensure a process of continuous improvement exists.
- Ensure ‘Net Zero’ education/carbon literacy CPD is the norm for all learners and staff and motivation remains high using CE Hub curriculum integration; communication of the ‘Super Six’; use of #Let’s Go Net Zero campaigns and workforce development alignment.
OUR ETHOS IN ACTION
<p>My name is Bethan, and I am the proud owner of Simply Green, a zero-waste shop in Nailsea. The premise of the shop is to encourage customers to reuse and cut down on single-use plastic. We encourage the use of bringing your own containers to refill with however much you need of each product, with the price you pay being dependent on weight, resulting in the whole process being more cost effective! When sourcing the products, I try to ensure they are local suppliers, as well as ethically produced. My aim is to expand my range to allow customers to buy even more products with no packaging.</p>
<p>I grew up locally, and always spent my time outside, which I think is what subconsciously kick started my interest in protecting the environment. I’d used zero waste shops previously and really enjoyed the style of shopping, especially knowing it’s guilt-free on the environment!</p>
<p>I have been involved with Weston College in multiple ways; one of which was providing supported work experience placements for leaners with SEND from Weston College through the ‘Into Work’ initiative, in both Simply Green shops in Nailsea and Portishead. I have three leaners helping with the running of both shops and are a hugely valuable asset to the company. They are great at chatting to customers and allow me to catch up on things I don’t normally have the chance to when working by myself.</p>
<p>I would definitely recommend taking on work experience learners as they are a huge help to the everyday running of the business, and it benefits them just as much as they are gaining workplace experience which will help them in their future, as well as confidence in themselves. Additionally, the initiative provides specialist knowledge and advice, and carefully matches your business to the learner who will support you the best and meet both sets of needs to ensure everyone is happy! The whole scheme is very carefully pieced together, and it results in an unmissable opportunity.</p>
<p>My involvement in this scheme lead to a nomination for Disability Confident Employer of the Year at the Business Awards, which was a huge surprise, but wonderful for getting the recognition for the business, but more importantly, the learners and their development of their workplace skills to help unlock their future!</p>
<p>The second way I have been involved with Weston College was through the Accelerate Project, funded by the UK Government through the UK Community Renewal Fund. I’d heard about the initiative through multiple sources, including Instagram and having been contacted by the college about the work experience learners. The aim was hugely beneficial to myself and my business in advising smaller local businesses through free short-term training and workshops, all which helped me understand my business better, and make difficult decisions I would have struggled to make by myself.</p>
<p>Due to my involvement in the Accelerate Project, I even managed to win the Accelerate Participant of the Year award at the 2022 Business Awards, which was a huge surprise to me!</p>
<p>My involvement with Weston College has been highly beneficial to both my business, and I am so grateful for the support I received from everyone there.</p>
<p><i>Bethan - Simply Green</i></p>
<p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/into-work">If you or your business is interested in getting involved with supported internships, click here!</a></p>
<p>On May 12th Weston College will be hosting a Business Breakfast for regional employers and stakeholders, the event will reflect on actions being taken by the College, in response to the Government asking the education sector to bridge the skills gaps in order to progress the key national sustainability and social action agendas.</p>
<p>During the breakfast a number of speakers will illustrate activities relevant to the College, Careers and the Community, and discuss the College’s journey as an employer, as they put strategies in place to work towards Net Zero - adopting the College’s ethos of being green, lean and socially responsible.</p>
<p>Guests will also benefit from a perspective from keynote speaker, Chris Hines MBE Hon.D.Sc. Chris has been working and campaigning for the environment for 30 years and revels in inspiring positive change.</p>
<p>He was a co-founder and then Director of Surfers Against Sewage and then Sustainability Director at the Eden Project and was awarded an MBE for “services to the environment”.</p>
<p>Chris works on strategic planning, communications, leadership and embedding sustainability principles as part of a profitable business and strongly believes that business can be a force for good in a challenging world.</p>
<p>Dr Paul Phillips CBE commented: “Weston College are proud to be playing a key role in this agenda, working in partnership with North Somerset Council and other key organisations, on this important issue of progressing sustainability and social action for the region. This event will enable us to share our direction and work in partnership with our business community to make a difference. The College will also shortly be hosting a Sustainability Conference for its learners to bring together their thoughts and to share a direction for a greener, leaner and more socially responsible future.”</p>
<p>The Department of Education’s sustainability and climate change strategy issued yesterday sets out the government’s clear vision for green skills across England and highlights how education and Colleges in particular with green apprenticeships, can lead the way in terms of both upskilling young people and adults to take advantage of ‘green jobs’.</p>
<p>Weston College has long been a champion of sustainability and social action, with all new campuses designed to BREEAM standard, and renewable technologies built into its teaching infrastructure as early as 2013 at its South West Skills Campus (Construction Centre of Excellence) for students to see sustainable construction in action – first hand.</p>
<p>In response to the strategy, Dr Paul Phillips CBE said ‘At Weston we are already upskilling to meet this key agenda for our young people and adults and welcome the approach shown by the government. We are also helping businesses navigate towards ‘Net Zero’ as the lead for the West of England Institute of Technology (WEIoT). One of the ways we are doing this, is through the WEIoT’s new Advanced Engineering campus, built within GKN’s new cutting edge Global Technology Centre. Based within Bristol’s aerospace heartland, it is a unique place to study as part of our higher technical skills engineering apprenticeships, where students can learn about the decarbonisation of flight, and see the latest engineering technologies being used as they unfold for greener aviation.</p>
<p>The College’s ethos however, is that we also recognise that the talent needed to solve the global climate change crisis, will come from all backgrounds. More importantly, we also see that ‘green jobs’ are a great chance to level up and want to ensure that our green skills agenda is as inclusive as possible.</p>
<p>To this extent, learners from the Inclusive Practice faculty recently took part in an Environmental Awareness Learner Conference. With a sustainable spotlight, this event saw learners with special educational needs and disabilities taking part in a carousel of thought-provoking games and engaging challenges to teach young people about everyday environmental impact and planet protecting, through interactive workshops and problem solving activities.’</p>
<p>The College is hosting its Sustainability Business Breakfast on the 12th May at the Winter Gardens Pavilion to share practice, working with key employers to build a strong network for climate change collaboration to benefit the region as a whole. The event will also mark the launch of its new ‘Sustainability and Social Action Framework.’</p>
