The university has received the rainbow flag award for LGBTQ+ inclusion, achieved Investors in diversity silver accreditation and been recognised with the defence employer recognition scheme (ERS) silver award for its support for the armed forces community.

The rainbow flag award, developed by The Proud Trust and backed by the Department for Education, recognises organisations that take proactive steps to improve LGBTQ+ inclusion, increase visibility and reduce LGBTQphobic bullying.

The award follows a year-long process of reflection and development, supporting institutions to embed inclusive practices across teaching, support services and leadership.

UCB has also achieved Investors in diversity silver, awarded by the national centre for diversity, recognising progress in embedding fairness, respect, equality, diversity, inclusion and engagement across the organisation.

The accreditation highlights the university’s work across leadership, policies, recruitment and staff development, including its equality, diversity and inclusion strategy, staff networks, EDI champions and leadership development programmes.

The assessment also recognised initiatives such as the university’s Inclusion Passport, which supports reasonable adjustments, alongside inclusive recruitment processes, flexible working arrangements and cultural intelligence training.

The Silver accreditation is valid until August 2028. The assessment also identified opportunities for further development, including strengthening trust, improving transparency around progression and ensuring consistency in leadership.

Meanwhile, the defence employer recognition scheme silver award acknowledges UCB’s support for veterans, reservists, serving personnel and military families, alongside its commitment to inclusive employment practices and flexible support arrangements.

The three achievements reflect the university’s wider approach to embedding inclusion across university life, supported by staff consultation, annual training, leadership development and data-led policy development.

Haroon Bashir, head of equality, diversity and inclusion at University College Birmingham, said: “Together, these achievements send a clear message to students, staff, partners and the wider community: that University College Birmingham is committed to being an inclusive, respectful and supportive place to study, work and visit.

“We are committed to ensuring that people enjoy their time with us, and it’s a great privilege to be working with such dedicated and passionate people to make that happen.”

The university said it would continue to build on the achievements as part of its ongoing work to strengthen inclusive practice and ensure students and colleagues feel respected, represented and supported.