Dundee & Angus College Win at Scottish Public Services Awards

The SPSAs, now in their 11th year, celebrate the vital contributions of public services across Scotland, recognising best practices, teamwork, and innovation. This year’s ceremony, held on Tuesday, 10th December at the Scottish Parliament, brought together leaders and changemakers from diverse sectors to honour outstanding achievements.

Katie Baxter, Learner and Community Engagement Manager, said: “We are incredibly proud to be recognised with the Scottish Public Services Award for championing diversity and inclusion and to be the first college in Scotland to achieve the status of a College of Sanctuary. This award reflects our unwavering commitment to creating a welcoming and supportive environment for all students, regardless of their background. By fostering inclusivity and providing a safe space for learning, we are empowering individuals to reach their full potential and contributing to a more compassionate and equitable society.”

As Scotland’s first College of Sanctuary in Scotland, Dundee & Angus College has set the standard for creating a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for refugees and asylum seekers. With more than 250 students enrolled across 16 departments, the College has implemented tailored programmes to address learners’ unique challenges, from enhanced language support to practical skills that help students build new lives in Scotland.

The College’s commitment extends beyond the classroom through fostering a culture of belonging through community-driven initiatives with events such as the Multicultural Day, where students share food, storytelling, and traditions. Similarly, the ESOL Graduation celebrates learners’ achievements in an inspiring and inclusive ceremony that brings together students, staff, and families from across the world.

Our work towards College of Sanctuary status, has been made possible by external funding, primarily from Northwood Trust who share the College's commitment to transforming the lives of young people and families from deprived backgrounds and creating lasting change in our local communities.  

City of Sanctuary UK said: “It was a pleasure to visit Dundee & Angus in person when we heard first hand from students seeking sanctuary that the College works hard to instil a tremendous sense of belonging and purpose.

“The fact that Dundee & Angus is the first FE College in Scotland to receive this recognition is a cause for celebration, and we hope will inspire other institutions across the country to follow suit.”

Through its pioneering approach, Dundee & Angus College is shaping a more inclusive and compassionate education system. By leading the way as Scotland’s first College of Sanctuary, it is not only transforming the lives of its learners but also setting an inspiring example for institutions across Scotland to follow.