Equality and diversity

Our aim is to develop a fair, inclusive and diverse environment in education.


In conjunction with policy colleagues at Department of Education, we use SFA learner data and other research, including emerging themes, to identify areas to target for improvement.

Apprenticeship diversity champions network: communications toolkit

One of our current priorities is to increase the proportion of apprentices from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds by 20% by 2020.

We have created an apprenticeship diversity champions network: communications toolkit which includes statistics, tips and case studies with a particular focus on increasing the proportion of apprentices from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds. This toolkit provides information to engage and inspire communities and employers to make apprenticeships more diverse.

Further information about this is available at English Apprenticeships: our 2020 vision.

Equality data and projects

We produce annual data on participation and achievement rates (formerly known as success rates) of apprentices and adult learners by ethnicity, gender, learning difficulties and/or disabilities and age. The FE sector can use this data to implement strategies to address gaps at organisational level.

Between 2009 and 2015 we funded a vast array of small equality and diversity projects to help support the FE sector to advance equality. In the early years all the projects were about innovation. More recently we supported projects that could share and sustain good practice across the sector. Materials and resources produced are published and free to access and use.

We have commissioned research on a variety of topics in recent years.

Published SFA data, information and research

We use equality information, data and analysis from a wide range of sources to help us implement policy. We also commission research from time-to-time. Some key publications are:

Free access and use of resources, materials and case studies

We are keen for you to explore and make use of a range of free guides, tools, materials, videos and case studies to help advance your work on equality.

These items have been developed by FE colleges, other training organisations and our partners through the SFA’s equality and diversity funds.

Sources of other equality information

Other sources of information for interest include: