UCG’s Nadia El Atrash announced as a finalist in the Investors in People Awards 2025

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 is delighted that Nadia El Atrash, Interim Head of HR, has been shortlisted for a prestigious Investors in People Award, for Outstanding Leadership in HR, Wellbeing & HSE.

Investors in People unite a diverse community of organisations, committed to putting people first, improving workplaces, driving success for employees, customers, and businesses alike. Their annual awards recognise outstanding individuals and organisations at the heart of this important work.

Commenting on being shortlisted for this award, Nadia said: “Being shortlisted for this award is both an honour and a humbling experience. It reflects not only my own efforts, but also the support of an amazing HR team and the strong management structure I’m fortunate to be part of and continuously learn from. I feel both excited for what lies ahead and inspired to keep pushing forward for an organisation, and its people, that I’m incredibly proud to be a part of.”

Since Nadia joined United Colleges Group in 2021, she has transformed the HR strategy to truly bring staff to the forefront. Her people-first approach - ensuring diversity is celebrated, wellbeing is prioritised, and skills are nurtured - has had a profound impact across UCG’s multiple London campuses. Particularly powerful is the ‘Grow Your Own’ campaign that sees aspiring staff given an interim opportunity with a development programme to grow into new roles over a 12-month period. Nadia has also led UCG’s many inclusive celebrations at the college and has organised numerous staff wellbeing days. This year, Nadia is set to roll-out the college’s Inclusive Talent Strategy to further embed diversity into every stage of the employee lifecycle, fostering a culture where everyone can succeed.

Stephen Davis, CEO & Group Principal at United Colleges Group said: “It is fantastic national recognition for Nadia and her team for the work that they do which can at times go unnoticed. They are more than just an HR team and Nadia is more than just an outstanding HR leader. Together they represent the very best of United Colleges Group and the values we believe in. Nadia, as a leader, is a whole-college galvanising voice. Our Corporation and our Senior team see this every day as she approaches her work with staff and students with exceptional care and support.”

United Colleges Group was in 2024 officially recognised with the Investors in People Standard Mark, in a testament to UCG’s unwavering commitment to employee development and organisational excellence.

Nadia is a finalist alongside Mary Meyer at Yorwaste Ltd, Natasa Iacovides at Hermes Airports Ltd and Rejamna P. Jubelag at South Cotabato Integrated Port Services, Inc.

The Investors in People Awards will take place in London on 12^th November.

Find out more about careers at United Colleges Group.

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