Kingston University shortlisted for Outstanding Contribution to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion accolade in Times Higher Education Awards

Kingston University has been shortlisted for a Times Higher Education Award in the Outstanding Contribution to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion category. The University has been named a finalist for a new initiative, which provides academic English language provision to forced migrants whose education was interrupted.

To enter higher education in the UK, academic proficiency in English is needed but access to funded or low-cost academic English classes is extremely limited. Gabrielle Smallbone who is module leader for English at the Kingston Language Scheme investigated whether access to Kingston University's pre-existing English language courses, which prepare students for higher education, could be extended, free-of-charge, to those whose university access had been interrupted.

Ms Smallbone worked with the local council, the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames, to identify forced migrants who had been displaced or resettled in the borough. After successfully securing joint funding from the University and the council, she collaborated with the council to encourage applications for a free 10-week English language course. Over a one-year period, 20 forced migrants have been supported through the scheme, mainly from Ukraine, Afghanistan and Syria.

The classes, which are also offered to Kingston University's international students on an optional basis, are designed to equip students with the English language skills they need to successfully study at a UK university, as well as teaching them how to communicate in different professional settings.

"When individuals resettle in the UK, they receive English language provision through the Government that teaches them basic English language skills. However, if they want to carry on into higher education, they have to demonstrate they meet the required standard of English language and communication skills for academic study which is what courses such as these can provide," Ms Smallbone explained.

Professor Alison Baverstock, who put Ms Smallbone forward for the award, praised her for her proactive approach to supporting the local community. "Forced migrants face a whole host of challenges when resettling into a new country. Providing them with free English language provision to progress into higher education can help them integrate and build a new life in this country," she said. "An ethos of inclusivity is at the heart of everything we do. By working closely with the council, Gabrielle has been able to make a small impact on the lives of those who have been forced to flee their homes."

The initiative has led to further collaborations between Kingston University and the national charity RefuAid, Migrant Advocacy Service Kingston and Refugee Action Kingston.

Kingston University is currently working towards becoming a University of Sanctuary. Universities of Sanctuary is an initiative to recognise and celebrate the good practice of universities welcoming people seeking sanctuary into their communities, through facilitated access to higher education (HE), supporting local refugee communities, and taking an active role in learning about the issues and obstacles faced by this group in pursuing HE.

Now in their 20th year, The Times Higher Education Awards are widely considered the Oscars of higher education. Winners of the Times Higher Education Awards will be announced on 28 November 2024 at the ICC in Birmingham

• Find out more about the Times Higher Education Awards.