Fundamental British Values

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Introduction

By law, The Sheffield College must support students’ spiritual, moral, cultural, mental, and physical development through their lessons.

Fundamental British Values focus on four main themes that help build spiritual, moral, cultural, mental, and physical development into the curriculum. They also link to PREVENT by challenging views or behaviours in schools and colleges that go against these values, helping to stop people from being radicalised or drawn into extremist causes.

What are the four Fundamental British Values and how does The Sheffield College uphold them?

Democracy

Everyone has a say in how things are run, usually through voting and representation, and everyone’s voice counts.

The Sheffield College encourages students to vote in Students’ Union elections and take part in surveys and focus groups to share feedback on what’s working well and what could be improved.

Rule of law

Laws apply equally to everyone, protect our rights, and help keep society safe.

The Sheffield College has policies and guidance to help students handle complex issues, like making a formal complaint or appealing an assessment decision. Our Student Charter sets out what we expect from students so they can Be Safe, Be Ready, and Be Respectful.

Individual Liberty

People have the freedom to make their own choices and express their views, as long as they don’t break the law or harm others.

The Sheffield College promotes Individual Liberty through Democracy, such as Student Voice. We don’t have uniforms or appearance restrictions, encouraging students to express themselves. Apprentices also have more flexible learning, allowing training to fit around work and personal life.

Mutual Tolerance and Respect

Treating others with respect, even if they have different beliefs, backgrounds, cultures, or lifestyles from your own.

The Sheffield College promotes mutual respect and tolerance by embedding equality and diversity into policies, decisions, and the Student Charter. We have anti-bullying measures to ensure all students feel safe, and we expect your employer to treat you with respect too.

What happens when the Fundamental British Values conflict?

You may feel that, some of these values may conflict. For example, Individual Liberty means you can hold your own views, but the Rule of Law and Mutual Respect limit expressing opinions that discriminate against others based on protected characteristics like race or sexual orientation. British laws on equality and human rights have evolved to balance these conflicts, though it can be complex.

At The Sheffield College, you’re expected to respect all students and staff, no matter their background, and receive the same respect in return. You’re free to choose your friends and have private conversations, but in classrooms, public areas, or your workplace, avoid expressing views that might be seen as bullying or inappropriate.

For example, discussing conservative religious values privately with a friend is fine, but loudly sharing them in class isn’t appropriate because others may not share or want to hear those views, and it’s usually unrelated to your studies.

Similarly, at work, you can socialise with like-minded colleagues during breaks or outside work, but you must treat everyone respectfully and keep the workplace friendly and productive. Some topics are better for private conversations than public ones.