Breaking Down Barriers Commission announces strategic partnership with further education providers to tackle inequality
New initiative, the Breaking Down Barriers Commission, today announced a strategic partnership with two major further education providers. A collaboration with London’s largest further education provider, Capital City College Group, and leading countrywide college group, NCG, will explore ways in which they can make a difference for their students, staff and the communities they serve while leveraging their sector leads.
Chief Executive Officer at CCC Group, Angela Joyce, will be the college sector lead for London for the Commission and NCG’s Chief Executive, Liz Bromley, will be college sector lead for the North of England.
The Breaking Down Barriers Commission is led by Nick Forbes CBE, a former member of Sir Keir Starmer’s Shadow Cabinet, and was set up to deliver equality of opportunity. It is the UK’s fastest growing network of socially responsible and progressive businesses and organisational leaders. Together they are working collectively and cross party to change society for the better by redefining the role of business in society and seeking new ways of constructive engagement with government.
The Commission’s work with the College Groups will focus on developing innovative strategies to remove the systemic barriers that prevent individuals from reaching their full potential, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Nick Forbes said:
“I am delighted to welcome Capital City College Group and NCG as new members of the Breaking Down Barriers Commission. Their vision of enabling social mobility and transforming lives through exceptional education and training closely aligns with the Commission’s vision of delivering opportunity to everyone everywhere, regardless of background, through a focus on a practical, evidence-based approach. It is crucial that we find common ground across sectors and organisations if we are to make tangible progress in driving positive societal change and I am looking forward to partnering with them as valued members of the Commission to help achieve a fairer society.”
CEO of Capital City College Group, Angela Joyce, said:
“As the largest college group in London we have a long history in serving diverse communities in inclusive and equitable ways. We are committed to reducing inequality and creating opportunities for all. Partnering with Breaking Down Barriers Commission allows us to explore new and innovative ways to provide exceptional education opportunities which can make a difference for students, staff and the communities we serve whilst also making a positive impact on society."
CEO of NCG, Liz Bromley, said:
“NCG exists to create life-changing opportunities for individuals, and our seven colleges are at the heart of diverse communities across the country. The Breaking Down Barriers Commission wholly supports and aligns with NCG’s mission to enable social mobility and economic prosperity through exceptional education. The further education sector is key to economic recovery and this partnership will provide us with even more opportunity to make a positive impact on society, allowing us to accomplish real change for the individuals and communities we serve.”
To learn more about the partnership and the Commission’s transformative initiatives visit https://www.breakingdownbarrierscommission.co.uk.
About the Breaking Down Barriers Commission
The Breaking Down Barriers Commission is a visionary initiative by former member of Sir Keir Starmer’s Shadow Cabinet, Nick Forbes CBE. It is part of the wider Purpose Coalition which works with over 70 organisations, including the BBC, UK Power Networks, bp, Virgin Money, the Co-op Group, Travelodge, Centrica, Leonardo, Sodexo, Pennon Group, Channel 4, Reed, Hitachi, Royal Mail, E.ON, NHS trusts, councils and universities.
The Commission is shaping the role businesses and organisations can play as responsible parts of society committed to breaking down barriers to opportunity for their customers, colleagues and communities. With a General Election later this year, it is seeking to showcase the role of the best of British business in breaking down barriers to opportunity.
About Capital City College Group
The Group provides a range of education and training, including A levels, BTECs and other technical vocational qualifications and T levels. It also offers access to higher education courses, higher education, employability skills courses and free short courses. It includes three colleges – City and Islington College, Westminster Kingsway College and the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London. It also has a training arm delivering apprenticeships and courses for employers at Capital City Training. The Group also helped found Visionnaires, a social enterprise for entrepreneurs, and 01 Founders, a unique coding school.
About NCG
NCG grew out of Newcastle College and now runs seven UK colleges in Carlisle, Lewisham, Kidderminster, Newcastle, Newcastle Sixth Form College, Southwark and West Lancashire. It teaches over 30,000 students and has over 2,000 expert colleagues. It works with businesses to deliver world-class training, open up employment opportunities and help employers to access the next generation of skilled talent.
