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AoC’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Charter

The AoC Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Charter is asking the further education (FE) sector in England to make commitments and take action to foster a sense of belonging among students and staff in FE. It calls for a collaborative effort to advance equity, diversity, and inclusion.

The charter encourages colleges to provide equity by creating an inclusive culture and value diversity by making it central to policies and practices. It also calls for setting organisational objectives, identifying short and medium-term success measures, and publicising progress annually. While there is a lot to be done, the time is right for a more inclusive and equitable education.

The UK is a multinational, multi-ethnic, and multi-faith society where our strengths and values are rooted in our culture. The Further Education sector reaches millions of students, staff, and many communities in every town and city across the country, and is uniquely placed to bring about transition and transformation in our society. Colleges are centres where students belong.

This is our public statement of commitment to strive for equity and create an inclusive culture in which all our staff, learners and communities can thrive.

We recognise that:

  • it is socially, morally and economically right to prepare our learners for life and work in a world that is diverse. 
  • equity and inclusion are fundamental if we are to make the most of our diversity.
  • we will be judged by our actions and the impact of those actions.

We commit to building an environment of belonging by:

  • ensuring equity, and inclusion are reflected in our curriculum. 
  • putting diversity and inclusion at the heart of our employment policies and practices.
  • listening to, and reflecting on our obligations to the communities we serve. 
  • encouraging those with whom we contract to support our commitments. 

We will lead by example, tracking our impact by: 

  • setting organisational and individual objectives monitored by the board. 
  • identifying short and medium-term success measures appropriate to our context.
  • publicising progress and the difference we have made in our annual report.

Sign up to the charter

Equality, diversity and inclusion