Equality, diversity and inclusion

At the Association of Colleges we take equality, diversity and inclusion seriously. We are acutely aware of the inequalities within the further education sector, and the need for more urgent, concerted work to ensure an inclusive environment, better diversity and equality of opportunity is embedded throughout all we do.

Our ambition is for fairer society in line with our values in which everyone can succeed. This will only be achieved with a continued effort towards increasing the diversity of leadership and governance and the creation of an inclusive, open and diverse culture which supports students and staff and actively promoting fairness and respect across the sector.

We know that to best support students now and in the future, we need to reflect the communities we serve. While work has been undertaken in the past to address the underrepresentation of protected characteristic groups, there is a need for more urgent, concerted work to support and increase diverse leadership. This year we have committed to work on policies and practices that have a positive impact on all protected characteristics.