Charters, pledges and commitments in the HE sector

We have collated a list of charters, pledges and commitments that universities and other higher education institutions can and do sign up to.

Read our blog article which sets out why we have collated this list and what we think this list tells us, as a sector.

Inclusion in the list below does not constitute a recommendation from us that universities sign up to these commitments. Indeed, we have some concerns about the costs and risks associated with some of these schemes and the amount of work often required from signatory institutions. See additional notes on this list.

We will update this list as we are informed of changes or identify additions.

Spotted any information in the table below that needs to be updated? Are there any other charters, pledges or commitments you feel we should include? Use the form to let us know.

With thanks to Jennifer Gibbard for supporting our collation of this list of charters and pledges.

Title	Summary	Sector specificity	Is there a direct cost (a financial payment) to join?	Does it relate primarily to support for students?	Does it relate primarily to support for staff?	Does it relate primarily to research?	Does it relate primarily to academic standards?
Academic Integrity Charter for UK Higher Education	An institutional pledge to implement principles and commitments to protect and promote academic integrity and take action against academic misconduct including working with staff and students and in collaboration across the sector.	UK Higher Education Sector	NO	NO	NO	YES	YES
AccessAble (formerly DisabledGo)	An organisation which sends trained surveyors to visit venues and spaces in person to assess them from an accessibility perspective and shares detailed accessibility information to help those who interact with those organisations and spaces to understand a venue's access.	Open to All Sectors	YES	YES	YES	NO	NO
Armed Forces Covenant	A pledge that an organisation acknowledges and understands that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, should be treated with fairness and respect in the communities, economy and society.	Open to All Sectors	NO	YES	YES	NO	NO
Athena SWAN	A charter promoting gender equality in academia and research including initiatives to address gender pay gaps, increase representation of women in leadership roles and support work-life balance. Encourages institutions to foster inclusive and supportive environments.	UK Higher Education Sector	YES	YES	YES	NO	NO
Carbon Literate Educator	An organisational accreditation standard by the Carbon Literacy Project that allows an educator to demonstrate a substantial understanding of, commitment to and experience with ‘Carbon Literacy’, and progress towards a low-carbon culture, resulting in the decarbonisation of estates, systems and processes, whilst systemically embedding climate education and action.	Open to All Sectors	YES	YES	YES	NO	NO
Care Leavers Covenant	A covenant aimed at improving outcomes for care leavers by providing support and opportunities in education, employment, housing and healthcare. Organisations commit to tailored support and removing barriers to success.	Open to All Sectors	NO	YES	NO	NO	NO
Civic University Agreements (CUAs)	Agreements between universities and local communities to address societal challenges and contribute to regional development. Encourages collaboration, knowledge exchange and civic engagement to promote social impact and sustainability.	UK Higher Education Sector	NO	NO	NO	YES	NO
Concordat for Engaging the Public with Research	A commitment to involve the public in research activities and decision-making processes, promoting transparency, accountability and public trust in research. Organisations pledge to communicate research findings effectively and engage diverse stakeholders.	UK Higher Education Sector	NO	NO	NO	YES	NO
Concordat on openness on animal research in the UK	A charter promoting transparency and openness in animal research practices including commitments to ethical treatment, responsible use of animals and sharing of research methodologies and outcomes. Aimed at fostering public trust and understanding.	UK Higher Education Sector	YES	NO	NO	YES	NO
Concordat to Support Research Integrity	A charter focused on fostering integrity and good conduct in research, including principles of honesty, accountability and respect for research participants and data. Requires institutions to promote a culture of research integrity and address misconduct effectively.	UK Higher Education Sector	NO	NO	NO	YES	YES
Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers	A charter aimed at supporting the career development and wellbeing of researchers including commitments to training, mentoring and professional development opportunities. Organisations promote inclusive and supportive environments for researchers at all career stages.	UK Higher Education Sector	NO	NO	NO	YES	NO
Customer First	A national standard for customer service, focusing on building outstanding customer service cultures and delivery methods by looking at customers interface with and experience the organisation.	Open to All Sectors	YES	NO	NO	NO	NO

AdditionalInfo

This list has been compiled with reference to information readily available on the websites associated with each scheme and should be considered a snapshot of the various schemes to which universities have signed up, rather than an authoritative guide.

Always check with the organisations managing each scheme for up-to-date information about their scope and eligibility criteria.

To suggest any additions or updates to the list, contact us using the form at the top of this page.

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