UCG leads the way in London with Investors in Diversity Gold

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

United Colleges Group is a Further Education college recognised for its sector-leading commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI).

Below are some key facts that reflect both our organisational culture and the diversity of our community:

UCG is the highest-ranking London college to feature in the National Centre for Diversity’s (NCFD) Top 100 Inclusive UK Employers and is currently placed 30th nationally. This recognition highlights the sustained and meaningful steps we have taken to embed inclusive practice at the heart of our operations.

Our core values, inclusion and belonging, compassion, and empathy, shape our culture and guide how we work with students, colleagues and partners.

Our workforce reflects strong gender representation, with 59% female and 41% male staff. Among our students, the gender balance is similarly representative, with 52% female and 48% male learners.

UCG is a highly diverse organisation. 54% of our staff identify as being from Black, Asian and Ethnic Minority backgrounds. Our student population is even more diverse, with 62% from Black and Minority Ethnic backgrounds - significantly higher than the national Further Education average of 20.9%.

5% of staff have declared a disability, and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment where colleagues feel supported to disclose and access appropriate adjustments.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion is embedded across the organisation. All staff complete mandatory EDI training, and students participate in dedicated sessions to promote awareness, understanding and respect.

Together, these measures demonstrate UCG’s ongoing commitment to fostering a diverse, inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can thrive.

Please see the documents below for further information:

United Colleges Group (UCG) is delighted to announce it has been awarded the prestigious Investors in Diversity Gold – Leaders in Diversity accreditation by the National Centre for Diversity, becoming the only college in London to hold this status.

This recognition is a significant milestone for UCG’s five campuses in the capital ─ which include City of Westminster College, College of North West London and the Cockpit Theatre ─ affirming its deep-rooted commitment to fostering an inclusive, respectful and high-performing learning and working environment.

After first achieving Investors in Diversity in 2021, then being reaccredited in 2023, United Colleges Group continues to shape the future of inclusive education in London, with this latest accolade serving as a powerful reminder that equity and excellence go hand in hand.

The Gold award follows a comprehensive assessment process and highlights UCG’s exemplary work across all six pillars of FREDIE (Fairness, Respect, Equality, Diversity, Inclusion,

Engagement), with the report noting: “FREDIE principles are embedded throughout United Colleges Group’s core identity ─ from its vision and values to strategic plans and performance frameworks. This integration ensures that inclusion is not an add-on but a fundamental aspect of how the organisation operates and evolves.”

On UCG’s Leadership and Governance, inspectors commented: “The organisation benefits from an active and diverse Board of Governors, and senior leaders consistently demonstrate their commitment by championing FREDIE values internally and across the wider sector.”

Staff and Student Engagement initiatives and Inclusive Practices across the campuses were praised by “fostering a vibrant, inclusive culture where staff and students alike feel empowered to contribute and thrive”, while the college’s Grow Your Own programme helps “to develop and retain talent from within, while proactive work to reduce the gender pay gap and tackle underrepresentation ensures meaningful, sustained progress toward equity.”

Solat Chaudhry, Chief Executive of the National Centre for Diversity, said: “On behalf of the National Centre for Diversity, I would like to congratulate United Colleges Group, their staff and stakeholders on the successful achievement of the Investors in Diversity Gold – Leaders in Diversity award following the assessment process.

“The Investors in Diversity Gold – Leaders in Diversity journey and achievement of the standard gives a positive message to all the stakeholders, internal and external, and each person should be congratulated for their input and success of the organisation.”

Stephen Davis, CEO and Group Principal, United Colleges Group, said: “This award is a clear reflection of the commitment, hard work, and compassion demonstrated across our entire organisation. We are proud to lead by example and to create a place where everyone ─ regardless of their background ─ can feel valued, supported and inspired to succeed.”

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