Sharna Matson – Equality & Diversity

Name: Sharna Matson

Course Name: Equality & Diversity

Course Type: Online and Distance Learning

Image caption: NWSLC online and distance learning student, Sharna Matson
Studying during lockdown has been perfect for Sharna who is currently working from home in her new role as Diversity & Inclusion Manager for Cadent. Sharna is currently following a Level 2 course in Equality & Diversity entirely online with NWSLC. She said, “This way of learning suits me because I can pick it up whenever I have time either in the evenings or at weekends. I know that there is support available but at the same time, I don’t need constant intervention and am well able to progress and access the learning under my own steam.”

Sharna, from Hinckley, has worked for Cadent, the UK’s largest gas distribution network for around ten years. In a previous role, Sharna managed the intake and development of new talent including supporting graduates at the early stage of their careers. She has recently taken up her new role managing diversity and inclusion and is busy getting to grips with it away from the workplace for now.

Sharna said, “I have always been passionate about equality, diversity and inclusion, equal opportunities and fair working practices so the concept is not new to me even though I have only recently started in the role. I have always believed that everyone deserves the same opportunities to succeed regardless of their starting point or protected characteristics. I am always keen to keep up my continuous professional development because things change all the time and it is important to be up to date.”

After A Levels, Sharna decided that university was not for her and she joined Cadent originally as a work despatcher allocating jobs to engineers. When she started helping to support graduates entering the business, Sharna found her niche and went on to achieve a Level 5 CIPD qualification.

Sharna has also studied safeguarding and Prevent through the college’s distance learning suite and has found the process rewarding. She said, “I really enjoy learning online and would recommend it to anyone who has a busy job because it is so flexible. I would certainly recommend the college’s distance learning courses and there are so many subjects to choose from, I am sure that there is something for everyone.”