We strive to create inclusive opportunities that enable individuals to thrive, ensuring education is accessible and beneficial to all.

Providing student support services

• Our support services not only help students overcome barriers to education but also contribute to broader societal wellbeing. By reducing dropout rates and improving mental health and resilience, our work helps to build a stronger, healthier community. Through initiatives like mental health advocacy and outreach, financial literacy programmes, and academic mentoring, we increase social mobility and reduce the societal impact of educational inequality.

Developing employability and skills

• Our strong employer partnerships and focus on career-ready training directly benefit the regional economy. By equipping students with in-demand skills through apprenticeships, industry placements, and sector-specific training, we support local businesses in filling skills gaps. Our tailored programmes help ensure that more individuals are work-ready, boosting employment rates and supporting economic growth in our communities.

Enhancing engagement within the community

• We create positive societal change by connecting students with local needs. Volunteering programmes, collaborative community projects, and outreach work see our students supporting everything from environmental sustainability to social justice campaigns. These initiatives build stronger, more connected communities while developing socially responsible citizens who continue to engage civically beyond their education.

Supporting anti-poverty initiatives

• We provide targeted financial and in-kind support to reduce the effects of poverty on our learners and staff. Across our campuses, food and essentials banks are made available to staff through our HR team.
• We actively tackle food insecurity and promote sustainable food practices, recognising the broader societal costs of food insecurity and poverty.

Advancing equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI)

• By embedding EDI principles in everything we do – from outreach with marginalised communities to partnerships that amplify underrepresented voices – we help build a fairer society. Our inclusive recruitment practices, targeted outreach, and leadership representation initiatives ripple outward, challenging inequity not just within our organisation but in the broader educational and employment landscape.

Commitment to gender equality

• We are committed to tackling inequalities in education and the workplace. Our Gender Identity Working Party is creating inclusive guidance for staff and students, and we have delivered targeted training around gender identity and suicide awareness. Our Women’s Forum leads initiatives such as #InspireInclusion awards, collaborates with Women Friendly Leeds, and organises events for International Women’s Day. Leadership for Women courses, delivered by our Learning & Organisational Development department, provide tailored support for career development.

We are committed to addressing the climate emergency and reducing our environmental impact across all areas of the group. As part of our role as civic leaders, we are embedding sustainability into our teaching, estate development, and strategic planning, with a clear ambition to become net-zero organisations.

Tackling the climate emergency

• We are signatories of the FE Climate Action Roadmap and align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), embedding sustainability across all levels of our operations. Our Climate Commission Plan sets out the group-wide steps we are taking to reduce emissions and build climate resilience.

Sustainability-focused curriculum

• We are embedding education for sustainable development into our curriculum to prepare learners to respond to the climate crisis. Our offer includes courses in renewable energy, environmental conservation, and sustainable business practices, designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge to become change-makers in their sectors.

Carbon reduction and infrastructure

• Through energy efficiency upgrades, building retrofits, and sustainable transport planning, we are actively working to reduce our carbon footprint across all campuses. We are investing in the decarbonisation of our estate and improving data collection to track and drive progress.

Biodiversity and green space management

• We are improving campus biodiversity through landscaping, planting schemes, and partnerships with environmental groups. Our campuses are becoming greener, healthier spaces for staff, students, and the wider community.

Sustainable operations

• We are reducing single-use plastics, increasing recycling rates, and reviewing our supply chains to ensure ethical and low-impact procurement practices. We also promote sustainability across day-to-day operations through staff and student-led initiatives and our group-wide Sustainability Steering Group.

Supporting the physical and mental wellbeing of our students, staff, and wider communities is at the heart of everything we do. We’re committed to creating inclusive, healthy environments that enable people to thrive both in and beyond the classroom.

Supporting mental health and wellbeing

• We provide extensive mental health resources, including counselling services, wellbeing workshops, and peer support networks. By creating an open and supportive culture, we encourage students and staff to prioritise their mental health and seek help when needed.
• Since September 2024 until now the Wellbeing team received 595 referrals, with an additional 88 referrals from English for Speakers of Other Languages learners, totalling 683 individuals accessing support. Each student is offered between 3–6 counselling sessions, extendable up to 9 in special circumstances.

• We offer an Employee Assistance Programme, winter flu jabs, menopause awareness training, and a staff wellbeing hub, alongside access to Vivup – a platform offering health resources and discounts. In collaboration with MIND, we are developing wellbeing resources for local businesses and strengthening our internal champion networks. Students and staff are entitled to enrichment opportunities including yoga, wellbeing walks, and awareness campaigns covering mental health, suicide prevention, and cancer screenings.

Promoting active and healthy lifestyles

• We promote health and wellbeing through access to sports facilities, exercise programmes, and nutritional guidance. Our commitment to holistic wellbeing extends to offering initiatives such as mindfulness training, stress management workshops, and support for maintaining a balanced lifestyle.

Empowering students beyond the classroom

• Student life across our colleges is rich with opportunities for personal growth, leadership, and community engagement. Through enrichment activities, skills development, and student voice initiatives, we empower learners to make the most of their college experience.

Inclusive wellbeing strategies

• We ensure that our health and wellbeing initiatives are accessible to all students and staff, regardless of their circumstances. By providing tailored support for individuals with disabilities, neurodivergent learners, and those facing financial hardship, we foster an environment where everyone can thrive.
• Our wellbeing team works closely with academic and pastoral staff to provide coordinated support.
• We offer tailored resources and flexible support options such as drop-in sessions and extended counselling for those with complex needs.

We actively contribute to the region’s cultural landscape through creative production, community partnerships, and inclusive programming. Our initiatives offer platforms for emerging talent, celebrate local identity, and support cultural growth across the region.

Creative Arts and Heritage Projects

• Our students and staff lead and contribute to creative projects that celebrate heritage, foster innovation, and connect communities through the arts.

Community Collaboration

• We partner with cultural organisations to deliver projects, placements, and performances that benefit learners and the wider public.
  • Long-standing partnership with Leeds Heritage Theatres supporting apprenticeships, technical training, and cultural exchange.
  • Kick Off Boys Youth Dance Company, co-delivered with NSCD and Phoenix Dance Theatre at Quarry Hill.
  • Hosting of Leeds Visual Arts Network and collaboration with Leeds Civic Trust on Mabgate cultural development.
  • Projects like the partnership with Feel Good Factor allowed students to learn about the Windrush generation and migration stories through shared community work. These creative, place-based experiences contribute to inclusive cultural learning and help embed students in the local civic landscape.
  

Inclusive Cultural Programming

• We support accessible creative activity for underrepresented communities, promoting inclusion and celebrating cultural heritage.
  • Harmony Choir and Milele Lullaby Choir offer creative space for refugees, asylum seekers, and culturally diverse communities.
  • Leeds Vocal Movement provides performance opportunities for 18–35 year olds without audition, building confidence and community.

Showcasing Emerging Talent

• We champion early-career creatives and students through exhibitions, performances, and cross-disciplinary competitions.
  • BLANK_ Gallery hosts four annual exhibitions showcasing emerging artists
  • “Let’s Hear It Then” competition exhibited student work from across disciplines in public venues and online
  • Creative showcases include Litter Letters installation, Temple Newsam wildlife art competition, and multi-campus exhibitions during Culture Week

Education transforms lives and strengthens communities, equipping people with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities needed to drive a thriving regional economy.

Driving workforce skills

• By working closely with employers, we ensure that our programmes align with industry demands and contribute to a highly skilled workforce.

Investing in regional development

• Through strategic partnerships and funding initiatives, we support regional economic growth by addressing skills gaps, promoting innovation, and enhancing employability.