Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging

LGGS Equality Statement

At LGGS we celebrate diversity and strive for inclusion and equality for everyone. We want to provide a safe environment where each person can report concerns and know that they are listened to and acted on. We want to encourage learning about different backgrounds, beliefs and cultures to promote understanding and tolerance.

In 2023 we were awarded the Lancashire Equality Mark, we are very proud to be one of only 3 secondary schools in Lancashire that have this award.

We will ensure that we comply at all times with the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED), which establishes in section 149 of the Equality Act 2010, that public authorities are required to pay due regard to the need to:

· Eliminate all forms of discrimination, harassment and victimisation that are prohibited by the Equality Act; and

· Advance equality of opportunity; and

· Foster good relations between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not.

Our Equality Policy incorporates our commitment and actions regarding the protected characteristics.

In addition our Equality objectives cover key areas of the school’s work, with a focus on promoting equality and celebrating diversity

Here is some of the feedback we received when we were assessed for the Race Equality Mark Badge, one of the badges that make up the Lancashire Equality Mark:

“Thank you for inviting us to have a look at the fantastic work that is going on in your school. During the accreditation visit we were impressed with the way the whole school promotes equality. We have therefore decided to award your school the Race badge. I could see that promoting race equality is embedded in school and your curriculum. Your work on reviewing equalities has been student-led and it is wonderful to see that the students felt empowered and comfortable enough to start this process off. It is equally commendable that staff listened and engaged fully with students on this."
R. Sardais, Assessor

School of Sanctuary

Lancaster Girls’ Grammar School is committed to being recognised as a School of Sanctuary. This is a special award given to schools who aim to create a safe environment that includes everybody, regardless of where people come from or what they look like.

As the first step to this recognition LGGS has made the following pledge:

“We support the ‘City of Sanctuary’ vision that the UK will be a welcoming place of safety for all and proud to offer sanctuary to people fleeing violence and persecution.

We endorse the City of Sanctuary Charter, and agree to act in accordance with City of Sanctuary values and apply the network principles within our work, as far as our school context enables us to.

We recognise the contribution of people seeking sanctuary. Sanctuary seekers are welcomed, included and supported within our context.”

November 2023