Milton Keynes College Group has been awarded the “Investors in Diversity Gold” accreditation (formally known as Leaders in Diversity) by the National Centre for Diversity. Awarded on the basis of a survey, focus groups and interviews with students, staff and the leadership team at MK College Group. Evidence was also presented highlighting FREDIE (Fairness, Respect, Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Engagement) initiatives undertaken over the past two years, demonstrating progress in response to earlier recommendations. The award recognises the Group’s good practice and positive approach to diversity and inclusion practices.

According to the National Centre for Diversity, the “Investors in Diversity Gold” award acknowledges excellence and the thorough integration of FREDIE across the structures of an organisation. The Gold level award recognises the embedding of FREDIE principles at MK College Group and how they positively shape the lived experiences of employees.

The staff survey showed that 86% of staff feel that their diversity is respected at the workplace and 91% feel that they are included by their colleagues. The student survey revealed that 72% of students feel that tutors take FREDIE seriously and 70% of students believe that equality and diversity are discussed in their lessons as part of the curriculum. These align with the Group’s new EDI pledge, part of which is the commitment to creating an inclusive curriculum that focuses on ensuring that all learners have equal access to learning opportunities and support.

Accreditation programmes run by the National Centre for Diversity have seen participating organisations more confident in dealing with the changing political and social situation, a reduction of incidents of discrimination being witnesses, improved links between employee activities and strategic objectives, and an improvement in attitudes, behaviours and conduct.

The framework of the National Centre for Diversity is tiered and contains three main EDI accreditations, starting from Bronze (committing), progressing to Silver (embedding) and culminating in Gold (leading). MK College Group has previously achieved the prior framework’s Leaders in Diversity awards in 2018 and 2022.

After the College Group’s last assessment by the National Centre for Diversity in 2022, the College Group fully met five of the 10 organisational goals set out and partially met the other five. In the latest assessment, the College Group has gone on to fully achieve all ten of the organisational goals.

Arvind Kaushal, Head of People Development and Equity, Diversity & Inclusion, said: “I am immensely proud of the work we do at MK College Group that continues our journey where all colleagues and learners feel visible, valued and included.  This is definitely something to celebrate and recognise as an ongoing commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.”

Solat Chaudhry, Group Chief Executive of National Centre for Diversity UK and Ireland, said: “It has been a true honour to work with Milton Keynes College. Since 2012, the College has shown an unwavering commitment to becoming a College for all its people and its re-accreditation in 2025 as a leader in diversity is a powerful testament to that enduring dedication and consistency. Throughout the years, people and leaders have come and gone, yet the culture at Milton Keynes College has remained steadfast — a culture built on fairness, respect, equality, diversity, inclusion, and engagement.

“I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to the whole staff team but particularly to Sally Alexander and Arv Kaushal for their exceptional leadership. Under their guidance, Milton Keynes College stands among the very first institutions in the United Kingdom to achieve Investors in Diversity Gold under the new model. I hold the College in the highest regard and sincerely commend this outstanding achievement.”

To learn more about Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at Milton Keynes College Group, read more here.