We've signed up! - United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Accord

We’re very excited to announce that we have signed up to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Accord!

Doing this will help us focus our sustainability efforts and create a broad range of environmental, economic, and social efforts.

First put forward in 2015, the Sustainable Development Goals are a UN initiative which aim to holistically solve seventeen key issues affecting our society today. They aim to provide proactive solutions to issues such as poverty, human rights, and of course climate change.

Here’s a taste of how Weston College is implementing the SDGs into our own initiatives.

No Poverty

• Weston College offers bursaries to students who are in need.
• We offer free school meals to eligible learners.
• We reduce unemployment in Weston-super-Mare and the surrounding area through upskilling and training.

Zero Hunger

• Weston College holds a breakfast club for those who need it.
• Food bank donation points are available across Weston College campuses.

Good Health and Well-being

• Gym access is offered for Weston College staff & learners.
• Mental health is a strong focus for our learners, with many of our staff trained in mental health first aid.
• Wellbeing walks.

Quality Education

• Excellent curriculum design, as rated Outstanding by Ofsted.
• Wider skills development is offered for learners, beyond what they might learn elsewhere.
• We have strong links with employers to ensure an education which prepares learners for industry.

Gender Equality

• Weston College ensure that it celebrates the successful stories from learners of all genders.
• Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion training for all staff.
• Celebration of LGBTQIA+ groups and Pride Month.

Clean Water and Sanitation

• Water dispensers are available throughout all Weston College campuses.
• We work closely with Wessex Water for apprenticeships.
• Some Weston College campuses employ rainwater harvesting and composting facilities.

Affordable and Clean Energy

• We offer electric car charging at our South West Skills Campus.
• We use solar panels to create renewable energy.
• We have a dedicated building, known as the Eco House which is used to practically demonstrate sustainable construction to learners.

Decent Work and Economic Growth

• Weston College supports learners to get into employment via our dedicated Careers team.
• Weston College is the second biggest employer in Weston.
• Weston College run regular Sector Based Work Academy Programmes, for local unemployed people to gain the qualifications and experience needed for employment.
• A key part of the college’s offering is upskilling workers, to boost their employability and promotion potential.

Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

• We’re investing in brand new infrastructure such as the Health and Active Living Skills Centre at our Loxton Campus. This building is designed with sustainability in mind.
• We’re educating our South West Skills Campus and Construction Training Centre learners in how to build the future of infrastructure.
• Weston College has introduced a revolutionary ‘Digital Classroom’ for learners at our South West Skills Centre.

Reduced Inequalities

• Weston College reaches out to disadvantaged learners to ensure that they are given all the tools they need to thrive in life.
• Representation at college for all students.
• Policies and procedures for staff and students, designed to actively reduce inequality.

Sustainable Cities and Communities

• Weston College encourages learners and staff to use green transport to travel to college.
• Working with key employer partners to increase sustainability.

Responsible Consumption and Production

• Weston College is going digital – and removing printing wherever possible.
• Automatic lights used at every campus.
• Recycling across Weston College.

Climate Action

• Weston College has introduced more flexible working to reduce commuting.
• Bicycle storage is available for any staff member or student who wants to cycle to college.
• The college has strong bus connections to destinations, and between its campuses reducing the need for driving.

Life Below Water

• Weston College is actively reducing its plastic waste, such as cups and straws.
• We’re partnering with the Grand Pier to do a beach clean, reducing the amount of plastic and other waste which could end up in the ocean.

Life on Land

• Our catering partner Aspens, has introduced an increased range of vegan meals for students and staff to enjoy.
• As part of ‘Plant a Tree for the Jubilee’ in 2022, learners and staff planted trees around Weston and the surrounding area, including at our campuses.
• Weston College encourages lift sharing for staff and learners.

Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

• Weston College has a strong emphasis on teaching learners about British values and respecting UK institutions such as the court system.
• Staff are encouraged to use positive reinforcement with learners, instead of punishment.
• Weston College has strong security and works closely with PSCOs on community work.

Partnerships for the Goals

• Weston College works closely with employers and the local government, building sustainable partnerships for the future.
• Students have the opportunity to hear guest speakers discuss sustainability.

All staff will be implementing the SDGs into their job roles, with faculty staff integrating the SDGs into their curriculum and support staff utilising the SDGs in their roles. This will help learners to understand how they can add sustainability to their work, no matter what industry they go into, meaning that the next generation of sustainability leaders will be developed!

We’re looking forward to a new era of sustainability focus and sustainable development at Weston College, and there is no better way to achieve this than by joining the Sustainable Development Goal framework.