“It’s very important to have an opportunity to celebrate and to reflect on achievement in a formal way. And it’s really important that we do accept that our practitioners are working really hard to ensure that EDI is a feature of all the work that they do.”  – Dr Mandy Crawford-Lee, UVAC Chief Executive

 

UVAC were delighted to be one of the main sponsors, along with Sills and Education Group, of the 2024 WorldSkills UK EDI Heroes Awards, held at the Houses of Parliament, recently.

 

UVAC also sponsored the Initiative of the Year category, for employees and educators who have delivered an innovative initiative or solution, designed to promote equity, diversity and inclusion, which was won by STEM Learning.

 

In her speech to the assembled guests and award recipients Dr Mandy Crawford-Lee, UVAC Chief Executive, was keen to recognise those who champion diversity and inclusion, as well as reflecting on how UVAC is proud to be working so closely with World Skills UK not only in supporting EDI Heroes but in its work through the Centre of Excellence and in its international skills partnerships. She went on to say;

“EDI principles are not just important, they are essential. Equality levels the playing field, diversity brings a breadth of perspectives, experience and ideas, it’s a powerhouse of ingenuity and inclusion ensures that differences are celebrated. The number and quality of nominations that were judged this year shows the importance the skills sector is placing on addressing inclusion and diversity.”

 

The awards recognise the extraordinary accomplishments of individuals and organisations who champion diversity and inclusion in the technical education sector.

 

You can read more about the awards and see the full list of winners HERE