Merton College

South Thames College is committed to the active promotion of Equalities and Diversity in all areas of the College's life. 

We are pleased to announce our new Single Equalities Scheme and action plan, which replaces the previous Disability Equality and Equalities Schemes, and takes forward our commitment in one unified document. We have widely consulted with staff, students and the community to produce this scheme and their feedback has been incorporated into a final version for publication.

This document is available in other formats, including larger print, on request.

Single Equalities Scheme

Single Equalities Scheme Action Plan

All students get a copy of our Charter, which sets out the services and standards we offer. It also details what the College expects from its students. The Charter makes it clear to students what level of support we will provide, how we ensure equal opportunities, and some important service standards. It is a useful guide for students and also tells you how to let us know if you have a comment or if things slip below our high standards.

Before you join we will:

• Provide good quality course information through the College prospectus and a range of course information sheets within two working days of your request.
• Ensure that application forms from all students are processed promptly and fairly.
• Provide you with an interview if required including an opportunity to look around the College and discuss your options before making any decisions.
• Provide accurate information on College fees and other costs, College support services, and any financial help available to you.
• Give you information and advice on our courses during the day if you visit the College as well as via the telephone, e-mail, post and on our website.
• Give you an interview with a specialist member of staff, if you have indicated that you have a learning difficulty or disability.

When you first join we will give you:

• An Individual Learning Plan.
• Details of arrangements for work placements, where relevant.
• Details of the structure of the learning and assessment programme.
• A Personal Tutor for full-time students. Other students can raise concerns directly with their course tutors.
• An ID card.
• A thorough induction to the College and your course.

During your time at the college we will give you:

• Learning programmes that fulfil the requirements of the qualifications.
• Opportunities for you to monitor and review your progress.
• High quality teaching and effective management of your learning.
• Careers and progression information.
• Access to additional learning support where a need for that support has been identified and agreed. 
• Advice on personal issues which may be affecting your studies.
• Access to computing facilities and a Library Learning Centre.
• A refectory service.
• A range of sports and other activities.

When you finish your programme we will:

• Provide all full-time students with advice and guidance to produce a personal development record, such as a Record of Achievement, curriculum vitae and personal statement as appropriate.
• Provide guidance and support for your chosen career or continued education as appropriate.

We expect you to:

• Show respect to all people at all times.
• Always wear your ID card in College.
• Respect College buildings, furniture, equipment and our environment.
• Attend all lessons, arriving on time and being properly prepared.
• Tell the College if you cannot attend.
• Work hard at your studies and complete work on time.
• Attend all exams, tests and assessments.
• Discuss any problems or concerns you may have with your tutor or relevant member of staff.
• Observe the College Drug and Alcohol Policy and never bring alcohol or illegal substances onto college premises.
• Be aware of and observe College Health and Safety rules.
• Let us know if you feel we have not provided the service we have promised or if you have any other problem.

Quality Assurance: we will:

• Give you a variety of opportunities to express your views, in order to monitor satisfaction and make improvements.
• Monitor complaints and compliments received and take appropriate action in response to these.
• Carry out a comprehensive self assessment review across the College.
• Draw up development plans across the College, aimed at continuous improvement and raising standards.
• Consult and inform you through surveys, a student parliament, and student representation on course teams and College committees.
• Meet or exceed our published targets for retention and achievement. If this is not achieved we will identify improvements.

Your views

If you have a suggestion for improvements, wish to make a comment or complain about our service then you can do this by using the ‘Your Voice’ form available from the Advice Centre. All complaints will be acknowledged within two working days. You will receive a full written explanation of actions taken and/or planned, within ten working days.