We are saddened and deeply troubled to see the escalation of the Israel-Palestine conflict in the Middle East.
Our thoughts are with all of those who are suffering at this very difficult time. This extremely distressing situation is reverberating locally, nationally and globally.
Here in Sheffield, within our college community, we have students and staff from across the world.
We are aware that some of our students and colleagues have personal connections to the communities affected by the conflict including friends and family who may be caught up in it.
We also understand that the situation in the Middle East will trigger painful memories for some members of our college community who have been affected by other conflicts around the world.
At The Sheffield College, we are committed to ensuring that we provide a calm and supportive environment where everyone feels safe and is treated with respect.
We are proud of our diverse community. Our values of fairness, respect, equality, diversity, inclusion and engagement (FREDIE) are at the heart of everything we do.
We have a zero tolerance policy to any behaviour that does not align with these values. There is no place for hate of any faith in our community. I would ask that our college community continues to help and support one another.
The college has written to all students and staff to remind them of the support available. I would like to reiterate to our students that if you are struggling, please:
- Speak to your tutor or another member of staff
- Contact safeguarding@sheffcol.ac.uk
To our staff, if you need support please:
- Contact your line manager
- Speak to a colleague
- Access the staff intranet health and wellbeing hub for support and advice
We will continue to offer support to all of those in our college community who are affected by this crisis.
Angela Foulkes, Chief Executive and Principal
The Sheffield College
