The University of Worcester has been named the winner of the People’s Award for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI).
The University's commitment to creating inclusive facilities is symbolised by The Hive - Europe's first fully integrated university and public library
The Awards, run by Education Estates, recognise those working in the education sector and were announced at a ceremony in Manchester last week.
The EDI award recognises an organisation which has demonstrated exceptional commitment to the promotion of equality, diversity and inclusion in education. The judging panel said the University had an “excellent programme of activities and strategy both inside the institution and out in the community”.
University Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive, Professor David Green CBE DL, said: “We are delighted to have been announced winner of this prestigious award. It is testament to the inspiring work of our staff and partners who work so hard to help people from all backgrounds and ages to fulfil their own rich potential.
“We are committed to doing all we can to promote inclusion and community cohesion, which has included investing in accessible, genuinely inclusive facilities, symbolised by The Hive, the Country’s only university and public library.”
Worcester has pioneered and developed a ‘whole university approach’ to equality, diversity and inclusion, which examines every activity of the University and the way in which each activity and facility promotes inclusion and participation, whilst simultaneously contributing to educational excellence, student and graduate success.
Described in its 2023 Teaching Excellence Framework report as “an engine of opportunity – supporting its students to benefit from an educational experience that is personally transformative and allows them to succeed in their chosen career”, the University is widely recognised as one the UK’s most inclusive universities.
Throughout the 21st Century, more than 97% of Worcester’s students have come from state schools and currently more than 20% of students have a declared disability.
The University is number one in the UK for sustained employment and/or further study five years after graduation (excluding specialist institutions) in the Government-published Longitudinal Education Outcomes 2024, as well as number one in the UK for Quality Education in the 2024 Times Higher Education University Impact Rankings.