Bradford College

College Commits to Equality with UKRC

Bradford College has agreed on action to tackle inequality and increase the participation of women in non-traditional work areas.

Bradford College Principal and Chief Executive, Michele Sutton, OBE, signed the CEO charter – issued by the UK Resource Centre for Women in Science, Engineering and Technology (UKRC) - which recognises good practice in increasing the participation of women in non-traditional work areas and commits to further action in the future.

The UKRC, based at the College, works nationally to deliver a Government contract to provide advice, services and support to businesses and women regarding the under-representation of women across the science, engineering and technology sectors.

The CEO Charter was launched by former Government Minister for Science and Innovation Malcolm Wicks. The CEO Charter is a visible commitment by organisations to implement positive culture change and increase the participation and progression of women in the workplace.

Signing is a personal pledge from the chief executive of an organisation to actively support equality and diversity.

College Principal Michele Sutton said: “Bradford College is vey proud to host the UKRC which has played a highly significant role in supporting women and employers to ensure that qualified and talented women can fully participate in STEM industries.  UKRC has its foundations in the well respected Let's Twist and Jive programmes developed and delivered by the College. I am therefore delighted to sign up to the CEO Charter to demonstrate the College' commitment to equality and diversity."

Annette Williams, Director of the UKRC, added: “The fact that we are based here shows the College takes its responsibilities and commitment to gender equality seriously.  I am delighted that Michelle is making this public commitment, but it does not stop there. We are all aware that it is not enough just to make that commitment.  We have to go beyond that, to see policies and practices in place, and monitoring processes to ensure that this commitment manifests itself in real action.”