British Values: DemocracyOverviewYou may have heard about The Prevent Duty and the responsibility that all education providers have to discuss the threat of radicalisation with their students. To accompany this, it’s also important to promote British Values. The Department of Education has specified that the four fundamental elements that need to be promoted are:

• Democracy

• The rule of law

• Individual liberty

• Mutual respect for and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs

At BPP we feel the best way to embody these values is through mutual respect, understanding and support. By cultivating a diverse student population, by having rules and guidelines by which we study and socialise and by giving our student body a voice, we can embed these values in to your learning journey whilst also helping you to develop and cultivate life skills that will see you become an integral member of society and an informed participant in our democratic process.

Let’s take a closer look at democracy. This can be defined as the belief in freedom and equality between people, or a system of government based on this belief, in which power is either held by elected representatives or directly by the people themselves. This can be seen in action within society, the following can all be run using a democratic model: government, community, education and business. Examples of democratic process might be:

• Leadership and accountability

• Receiving and giving feedback

• Team meetings

• Joint decision making

• The right to protest and petition

Areas of teaching and learning that could incorporate democracy:

Teaching areas• Law

• Legislation

• Committees

• Legal factors that impact society

• Elections

• Debate

Welfare discussion topics

Action/source https://youtu.be/LX1Ul0oX9DY

Discussion pointsWatch the above video and have a think about British values within BPP (think about inclusion, diversity, free speech and identity). We work to maintain a safe, professional environment where everyone feels comfortable expressing their views.

Example key questions• What examples of democracy do you see working within BPP?

• In what ways can you demonstrate your democratic rights at work?

• Is there anything you feel BPP could be doing to better promote the above values? Please feel free to email safeguarding@bpp.com with any comment you have, we strive to represent you!

BPP practises• Elected student reps

• Students are encouraged to feedback

• Respect given to all students whilst participating in group discussion

• BPP work to create a safe environment where students feel confident expressing their views

Workplace/staff action• Staff meetings to discuss changes

• Every staff member is treated equally

• Managers maintain an open dialogue with staff to encourage

• participatory decision making