The University of Westminster Students’ Union (UWSU) has been named Students’ Union of the Year by the National Centre for Diversity in their Top 100 Inclusive UK Employers Index 2024. Along with this, they included the UWSU in the top 30 most inclusive employers in the UK.
The Top 100 Inclusive UK Employers Index 2024 celebrates champions of inclusivity and best practice in fairness, respect, equality, diversity, inclusion and engagement across the country. Their awards recognise outstanding efforts from a variety of employers in the aim to make workplaces more inclusive.
The UWSU is an independent, member-led organisation that aims to improve students’ lives while at university through providing advice, support and inclusive student groups. It runs regular campaigns to engage with the diverse demographic of students at Westminster and hosts annual events such as celebrations for Black History Month, Disability History Month, LGBTQ+ History Month and Women’s History Month. These events are often run in collaboration with the University’s colleague networks. For example, the Q+ Network helped organise an open miQ+ night earlier this year.
The UWSU is accredited by both the Investors in People (IiP) and Investors in Diversity (IiD), which reflects its ongoing commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI). It was also awarded a gold accreditation and certificate of achievement for their commitment to welfare and wellbeing as part of the National Union of Students’ (NUS) Best Bar None scheme.
The UWSU employed over 90 Westminster students in part-time roles during the 2023-24 academic year through its Student Staff Development Programme, for which it won the Excellence in Student Training Program 2024 award from the Association of College Unions International.
About the award, Michael Wigg, CEO of the UWSU, said: “UWSU always prioritises EDI in everything it does. It is a central focus in the organisation’s strategy and underpins all our actions and decisions. Therefore, to receive this recognition for our work concerning our employees is truly inspiring and I am proud of every team member who has made this possible. UWSU is thankful to the University of Westminster and the Quintin Hogg Trust for the support, guidance and funding that has enabled the Union to achieve this outstanding recognition.”
The work of the UWSU directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, 10: Reduced Inequalities and 17: Partnerships for the Goals. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
Find out more about the University of Westminster Students’ Union.
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