UCU: Underrepresentation of Black leadership in further education

Motion

Motion text: FESC notes:
Further education is central to social cohesion serving some of the most racially diverse communities in the UK. The Ethnic Equity in Education: FE Report (2024) highlights significant racial inequality in leadership, with only 7.2% of FE leaders identifying as Black, despite Black students comprising around 30% of FE learners. This demonstrates a persistent disconnect between FE leadership and the communities and students it serves.
FESC believes:
Leadership and management structures in FE should be representative and equitable. However, Black staff remain markedly underrepresented in senior leadership roles across college, prison, adult education and skills and community provision.
FESC resolves to:
1. undertake research, including FOI requests, into recruitment and progression of Black senior leaders
2. launch a national campaign to raise awareness
3. pressure through campaigning and industrial work for the Association of Colleges and employers to develop equitable recruitment/career development opportunities.
4. work with partner organisations to support meaningful change.