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?
Race to Zero	A global campaign mobilising cities, regions, businesses and investors to take action to reach net-zero by 2050. Organisations commit to setting ambitious emissions reduction targets, implementing sustainable practices and advocating for climate action.	Open to All Sectors	NO	YES	YES	NO	NO
Social Mobility Pledge	A pledge to promote social mobility and improve access to opportunities for individuals from all backgrounds. Organisations commit to providing fair access to employment, education and training opportunities and supporting social mobility initiatives.	Open to All Sectors	NO	YES	YES	NO	NO
Stand Alone Legacy Pledge	The Stand Alone Pledge ran from October 2016 to March 2024. In March 2024 organisations reaffirmed their commitment to support estranged students through a Stand Alone Legacy Pledge. Organisations who signed the pledge committed to supporting estranged students studying without the support or approval of a family network.	UK Higher Education Sector	NO	YES	NO	NO	NO
Stonewall Diversity Champion	A charter promoting a specific approach to ‘LGBTQ+ inclusion and equality’ in the workplace, including initiatives to amend policies, practices and environments for LGBTQ+ employees.	Open to All Sectors	YES	NO	YES	NO	NO
Tech Talent Charter	A charter committed to promoting inclusive recruitment, retention and progression practices in technology roles. Organisations pledge to create diverse and inclusive tech teams and foster a culture of equality and belonging.	Open to All Sectors	NO	NO	YES	NO	NO
Technician Commitment	A charter aimed at supporting and promoting the role of technicians in higher education and research institutions. Organisations commit to investing in technician skills, career development and recognition to enhance the contribution of technicians.	UK Higher Education Sector	NO	NO	YES	NO	NO
Time to Change Employer Pledge	Ended in March 2021. A pledge to promote mental health awareness and combat stigma in the workplace. Organisations commit to creating supportive environments, providing mental health training and implementing policies and practices to prioritise employee wellbeing.	Open to All Sectors	NO	NO	YES	NO	NO
UK Agent Quality Framework Pledge	A pledge for demonstrating commitment to enhancing governance and ethical practices for those working in attracting and supporting international students wishing to study in the UK, through adoption of a framework designed to enhance partnership between institutions in the higher education sector.	UK Higher Education Sector	NO	YES	YES	NO	NO
UK Medical Schools Charter on So-Called LGBTQ+ Conversion Therapy	A charter committed to opposing so-called LGBTQ+ ‘conversion therapy’ and promoting LGBTQ+-inclusive practices and policies in medical education and healthcare settings. Medical schools pledge to uphold LGBTQ+ rights and dignity.	UK Higher Education Sector	NO	YES	YES	NO	NO
University Mental Health Charter	A charter aimed at promoting a whole-university approach to mental health and wellbeing. Universities commit to providing comprehensive mental health support services, fostering supportive environments and promoting mental health awareness and education.	UK Higher Education Sector	YES	YES	NO	NO	NO
University Recovery Friendly Pledge	A pledge to support students in recovery. Organisations commit to valuing the contribution that they have made, and continue to make, to university life.	UK Higher Education Sector	NO	YES	NO	NO	NO
University of Sanctuary	A charter recognising universities and colleges that offer welcome and support to refugees and asylum seekers including scholarships, access to education and resources and initiatives to promote inclusion and integration. Institutions commit to creating sanctuary spaces and communities.	UK Higher Education Sector	YES	YES	YES	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.

If you found this list helpful, feel free to subscribe to our occasional updates for details of our other resources, events and services from our team: