For Immediate Release 03/07/2025
New College Durham (NCD) is rolling out a novel way to help students get ahead.
As part of a broader trend in education and the job market, more institutions and businesses are recognising the value of making reasonable accommodations for applicants with diverse needs. However, the process can sometimes feel overwhelming for students and job seekers, who may require additional support changing e.g. course, college, or moving into employment.
With this in mind, New College Durham is introducing a ‘Disability Passport’ for Level 6 students who require one and are preparing to leave the college as they transition into employment.
Mhairi Hale, Higher Education Access Advisor at New College Durham, worked with staff and students to improve the College current practices and processes to create a more personalised and user-friendly document tailored to the college’s community and employer employment needs. Mhairi explained, “We reviewed relevant regulations to develop an easy-to-understand yet comprehensive document that students can use confidently during job interviews or in their workplace or study environment. It clearly outlines their individual needs and the adjustments that work best for each student.”
New College Durham student Catherine Elepano said, “It will be mutually beneficial for an employer and myself to be aware of my needs and possible limitations.”
A further student who wished to remain anonymous added, "Getting the disability passport meant that all the information I needed to give to employers about my disability and my history with it was kept in one place, and it comes from a trusted source. I know I can count on NCD to have my back as I graduate and enter work as a disabled person, which makes my life just that little bit easier."
Mhairi added “I wanted to simplify the process so that students don’t have to repeatedly share their information. By consolidating all relevant details to support both their educational and engagement in work, into one accessible document, students can share this with confidence, knowing the necessary information is readily available to those who need it. The feedback from students has been very positive.”
Karl Fairley, Deputy Chief Executive at New College Durham, added, “This initiative is a wonderful example of our colleagues’ commitment to supporting students, ensuring a smooth transition from education to employment.”
The plan is to extend the Disability Passport over the coming years to all Higher Education students with a current Reasonable Adjustment Plan who wish to have one. The college is also exploring options to offer the passport to Further Education students receiving support, enabling them to use it throughout their studies and in preparation for their next steps—whether that’s continuing at our University Centre, moving on to another university, or entering the workforce.