IEG Hosts Peterborough Citizens Event Tackling Inappropriate Banter and Bias in Education

Peterborough College, part of Inspire Education Group (IEG), recently hosted the It’s Not Banter! gathering, bringing together educators from across the city to tackle the pressing issue of discrimination and inappropriate banter within schools and colleges. The event, held on Wednesday 23rd October, saw a collaborative effort to share experiences, resources, and strategies aimed at fostering inclusivity, equity, and understanding among students and staff.

Rachel Nicholls, CEO of IEG and Co-Chair of Peterborough Citizens, played a pivotal role in leading this initiative, which gained significant momentum following Peterborough Citizens’ recent proposition to Andrew Pakes MP and Sam Carling MP. The proposal seeks government support for the It’s Not Banter! campaign, an initiative dedicated to creating safer, more respectful learning environments.

In addition to support from local educators and community leaders, Andrew Pakes MP has also been a strong advocate for the campaign. He recently released a video on social media promoting the work being done at Peterborough College and across the region, further amplifying the campaign's message and encouraging continued efforts to combat discrimination and harmful banter in educational spaces.

Charlotte Akester, EDI Coordinator at IEG, shared her thoughts on the success of the event: "The It’s Not Banter! gathering has been an essential step towards a unified approach in tackling discrimination across Peterborough. Our shared goal is to ensure a safe, inclusive environment for both staff and students. I am incredibly proud of our collaboration with Peterborough Citizens, and hopeful that our proposal to Sam Carling MP will bring further support for this vital initiative."

Samantha Smith, Community Organiser at Peterborough Citizens, commented, “The purpose of the It's Not Banter campaign! is to support and train staff with resources and enable students to learn that someone's race, background, religion, identity or ability is not a punchline of a joke. The event was held so that CEOs, principals and EDI leads come together to review pooled resources, and feedback with a mind to commit to using them in their schools from January 2025.”

Following the event, Peterborough College and participating educators are set to implement the feedback and resources shared, working to ensure every student feels valued and empowered, free from the harmful effects of inappropriate banter and discrimination.