Disclaimer: The views and experiences shared in this blog post are solely my own, based on my personal tenure at West College Scotland. They do not reflect the official policies or positions of West College Scotland or any affiliated organizations.
Before founding Onyx Dragon, I spent several years working at James Watt College in Inverclyde. In 2013, this institution merged with Reid Kerr College in Paisley and Clydebank College to form West College Scotland, creating one of the largest educational institutions in the country, serving approximately 30,000 students with a staff of 1,200. (educations.com)
Observations on Workplace Inclusivity
During my tenure at the college, I observed challenges faced by employees with disabilities, including myself, in advancing their careers. Despite the institution’s public commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, the reality often seemed different. For instance, despite delivering strong interview performances, I was informed that I lacked experience with specific software, hindering my progression. This experience highlighted a culture where personal connections appeared to play a significant role in career advancement.
Experiences of Discrimination and Limited Support
My challenges intensified when I publicly came out as a member of the LGBTQ+ community while employed at the college. My manager, who had prior associations with organizations known for their traditional views on LGBTQ+ issues, began assigning me additional tasks through two different supervisors, as I was working two different jobs at the time. These tasks were unmanageable within my regular work hours, and I began to be brought up for issues that didn’t seem to be an issue before. Some colleagues even started to comment that the manager appeared to be targeting me.
It was also known by the college that I suffered from mild cerebral palsy, which affected my walking speed. Despite this, I still found myself unfairly targeted with additional work that was impossible to complete within my normal work hours. This added stress only worsened the situation, and I felt that my physical condition was being used against me in a way that made it even harder to succeed in my roles.
One supervisor, in particular, kept insisting that I work faster, perhaps unaware that pushing for speed could aggravate my existing joint issues and cause further strain. This misunderstanding of my physical limitations led to even more discomfort, compounding the difficulties I already faced in trying to meet unrealistic expectations.
Unfortunately, support from UNISON, the union of which I was a member, was minimal. It seemed that they sided more with management and human resources than with me, which made the situation even more difficult. Faced with limited options and anticipating potential dismissal, I opted for voluntary severance and left the college.
Reflecting on Institutional Practices
West College Scotland publicly emphasizes its dedication to equality, diversity, and inclusion. However, my personal experiences, along with those of some colleagues, suggest that there is room for improvement in supporting employees with diverse identities. While the college has received recognition for various initiatives, the experiences of employees from marginalized communities indicate that further efforts are needed to ensure equitable career advancement opportunities.
Conclusion
My journey from West College Scotland to establishing Onyx Dragon has been fuelled by a desire to bridge the gap between institutional promises and personal experiences. It’s a testament to the importance of advocating for genuine change and creating spaces where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
#Inclusivity #WorkplaceDiversity #CareerAdvancement #DisabilityInclusion #LGBTQ+Rights #OnyxDragon