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Equality, diversity and inclusion

The College of Animal Welfare believes that education is an entitlement for all.

We believe in offering equality of access and opportunity to all learners and employees regardless of ability, age, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, ethnic origin, race, gender, health, offender background or previous education.

College employees have an active responsibility in ensuring that the College works towards achieving equal opportunities.

Recruitment of all post within The College of Animal Welfare will be carried out in accordance with the Equal Opportunities Policy.

Access and participation

  • We strive hard to make our programmes accessible to all learners regardless of their background.
  • We will create an environment in which learners feel safe, comfortable, recognised and valued.
  • All learners will receive a positive welcome from the first point of contact.
  • Organisations acting as placement or training providers will be informed and expected to observe our Equal Opportunities Policy.
  • Population data and learner statistics will be used to inform planning and to identify opportunities to assist those who are under-represented or excluded, for whatever reason.
  • The College of Animal Welfare employees will liaise with specialist organisations and community groups to encourage participation from under-represented groups.

Learning programme

  • The College will reflect the needs and diversity of the community it serves.
  • Educational information and advice will be available to all learners.
  • Resource materials used to deliver the learning programmes will be free from any discriminatory images and language.
  • The integration of learners with disabilities will be encouraged, where appropriate, and individual learning support will be offered, where available. The College fully acknowledges its responsibilities in relation to the Disability Discrimination Act 2005.

Disability information

We welcome learners with disabilities who can benefit from our educational and training opportunities. We aim to offer you the support required to attend classes and complete any accreditation.

Discriminatory behaviour

  • The College will not tolerate discriminatory behaviour, whether intentional or unintentional.
  • Incidents of discriminatory behaviour are a serious matter and will be dealt with appropriately.
  • Information relating to these procedures will be displayed in our centres and referred to as the Learner Anti-Bullying and Harassment Policy.

Equality and Diversity News

Joanne in her mobility scooter and her toy poodle puppy

Student Case Study: City & Guilds Dog Grooming – Joanne

Thank you to our former dog grooming student, Joanne Bolton, for talking to us about changing her career, and being so determined to qualify as a dog groomer despite her physical disabilities. We are so proud of you Joanne and all that you have achieved! I did the level 2 and 3 dog grooming at […]

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Standing Firm in Power and Pride: Black History Month 2025 at CAW

Every October, in the UK, we come together to observe Black History Month — a time for celebration, reflection, education, and unity. This year, the national theme is “Standing Firm in Power and Pride”, shining a spotlight on the strength, resilience, and ongoing contributions of Black communities across history and today. As a college committed […]

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My experience of working as an RVN with a chronic disability and neurodivergence

Zoé Langley RVN ISFMCertFN I’ll start off by saying, not every neurodivergent or disabled person has the same experiences or faces the same barriers, this is just my experience training and working as an RVN with Autism and Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS). I received a workplace diagnosis for Autism in May 2024, as is often the […]

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Celebrating Disability Pride Month at The College of Animal Welfare

July is Disability Pride Month – a time to celebrate the strength, resilience, and achievements of disabled people, while also raising awareness of the barriers that continue to exist in society. At The College of Animal Welfare, we are committed to ensuring that all our students can thrive and achieve their goals in an inclusive, […]

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Drowning Prevention Week – 14 to 21 June 2025: Staying Safe Around Water

As summer approaches and the temperatures rise, many of us – especially children and young people – are drawn to water for fun, relaxation, and relief from the heat. But with this seasonal shift comes a serious and growing concern: water safety. Drowning Prevention Week, running from 14th to 21st June 2025, is a vital […]

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Pride Month 2025

This Pride month we want to shine a spotlight on YOU and how we as The College of Animal Welfare (CAW) can support you. We want you to feel safe and comfortable being yourself while you’re a part of the CAW Family and that’s why we’ve put together our Pride Guide; it’s full of information […]