United Colleges Group (UCG) is celebrating after its students helped the West London Citizens Living Wage for Health and Social care team win the ‘Campaign of the Year’ Award for Outstanding Campaign for a Real Living Wage.
At last night’s Living Wage Champion Awards ceremony at the National Football Museum in Manchester, UCG, as part of West London Citizens Living Wage for Health and Social care team, was recognised for its successful campaign to grow the real Living Wage in the past year and win the Living Wage for 1,500 NHS contractors.
The initiative has been crucial in helping to spread the real Living Wage in West London by campaigning for London Living Wage for Health and Social care workers, specifically NHS contractors at six of the nine NHS trusts based in NW London.
This year UCG students have been instrumental in nurturing the growth of the Living Wage network to nearly 13,000 Living Wage Employers.
Katherine Chapman, Director, Living Wage Foundation, said: “Given the challenges of the past three years, the record increase in Living Wage Employers is truly remarkable.
“The Living Wage movement has never been stronger, and in the current cost of living crisis, it has never mattered more. Nearly 13,000 Living Wage Employers have recognised this and signed up to ensure that everyone who works for them, including third party contractors like cleaners and security guards, earns a wage that meets every day needs.
“Tonight, we are celebrating the outstanding leadership these employers have shown in providing stability and security in their industries, communities, and wider society. They are leading the way in building a better and more equal world, and I warmly congratulate United Colleges Group and the West London Citizens Living Wage for Health and Social care team on their well-deserved award.”
Rahat, a student at City of Westminster College, said: “This is our future – this was difficult work and we were proud to do it.”
Fellow student Serena added: “My mum works for the NHS and I see the struggles she goes through. I want to push for better for her and for all of us.”
Stephen Davis, Principal and CEO of United Colleges Group, said: “Everyone at UCG is delighted to see our students’ tireless and selfless campaigning work be recognised with this national award.
“On behalf of myself, my staff and all of our students, I would like to congratulate them all for winning this prestigious accolade — it is certainly well deserved.”
The annual Living Wage Champion Awards celebrate individuals and organisations that have made an outstanding contribution to the Living Wage movement. This year they were held in Manchester for the first time ever in recognition of the strength and growth of the movement in the region. The awards were supported by gold sponsors Aviva and Everton FC, and silver sponsors Autotrader and Anchor Removals.
“My experience at College of Northwest London, has been exciting, it has been thrilling and it has been full of opportunities, and we have the tutors that help us whenever we’re in need. We go on educational trips to get a feel for what university life is like. We have the careers advisors that help us on our path, our university path.”
“The facilities here are brilliant. You have range of courses you can study. My teachers in the Performing Arts department have got history in the industry, which is very useful. You get to ask them for advice and actual knowledge from the industry, and take that into your own work within the college also afterwards. ”
“At City of Westminster College, my experience has been the best of all the other colleges I’ve attended. The reason I like CWC is because the teachers make my journey easier with assessment and exams. I’m a Level Two Science student and I enjoy my lessons because most of them are practical, which are helpful for me. I love studying at CWC because you meet people from other countries – all over the world and from all different communities.”
“My favourite thing about studying here has definitely got to be the teachers. They’re really helpful, kind and in the industry, so it’s good.”
“The technical knowledge and hands-on experience gained during my apprenticeship at College of North West London have been invaluable, particularly in understanding site processes, health and safety requirements and the understanding of electrical systems.”
“My experience studying at City of Westminster College has been amazing. It’s been so welcoming; I enjoy it very much because of the staff members we have here. They’re very approachable and I could come to them with any question, and it will be answered straight away. And if I come early for a class, I can use the Learning Resources Centre, I can use the computers, the books, just to continue all my studies outside the classroom time.”
“The training process was seamless. I had good instructors who were very flexible, supporting people of all learning levels. On the last day after our exams, a security company came and did a presentation. We had the opportunity to have an interview afterwards. I told them about my experiences, and they said I would be a good fit. I formally applied for a role and started with the company soon after. Getting into security has opened doors for me. I hope I will continue to take steps up the career ladder.”
“Coming to study at the City of Westminster College was the best decision that I had ever made. The teachers are very accommodating – they help you learn things in a way that might be easier for you to learn. They are very supportive and I think that’s one of the best things about learning here.”
“I was so grateful to have won Apprentice of the Year at the West London Business Awards 2026, I could not have done it without the support my company Size Group and the College of North West London.”
