Inclusivity Charter

Creating inclusive training environments across the building services engineering sector.

LCL Awards' Inclusivity Charter supports approved centres in creating welcoming, supportive training environments where people from all backgrounds can succeed. Through flexible delivery, inclusive practices and a commitment to continuous improvement, the Charter helps centres open their doors to a broader, more diverse audience.

Because a more inclusive sector is a stronger, more sustainable sector.

Get in touch about the Charter Download Our Inclusivity Charter Guide

02 Built with Industry Expertise

Built with industry expertise

The Inclusivity Charter was developed in collaboration with Hattie Hasan MBE, founder of Stopcocks Women Plumbers and the Register of Tradeswomen. Her work has been instrumental in supporting women and underrepresented groups into skilled trades, helping to challenge perceptions and improve access across the sector.

The Charter brings together real-world experience and practical insight to create a framework that works for training centres today.

Making a difference at this grass roots level should have real impact. If people from underrepresented groups have a positive experience in training, they start their careers with greater confidence.

03 Definition

What does inclusivity mean in a training environment?

Inclusivity means ensuring that every learner has an equal opportunity to succeed, regardless of their background, experience or personal circumstances.

There is no single approach. It requires collaboration between trainers, centre teams and learners to create an environment where everyone feels welcome, supported and able to engage fully.

Inclusivity is an ongoing process. As learner needs evolve, so too must the way training is delivered. The Charter provides a framework to support that continuous improvement — helping centres adapt, learn and grow over time.

02 What does inclusivity mean in a training environment

Why sign up to the Inclusivity Charter?

The LCL Awards Inclusivity Charter addresses the wider challenges facing the building services engineering sector and helps centres create a more welcoming and attractive environment for prospective learners.

With a significant skills shortage and an ageing workforce, the industry must attract people from all backgrounds to meet future demand. By taking practical steps to encourage women and other underrepresented groups into training, centres not only support a more diverse and inclusive workforce but also broaden their potential learner base.

Meeting the Inclusivity Charter will:

Demonstrate your centre’s commitment to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI)
Differentiate your centre from competitors
Attract a broader cross-section of learners
Support quality assurance and continuous improvement.

Embracing inclusivity is not simply the right thing to do – it is a sound business decision.

It (meeting the Charter) has been such a worthwhile process, as it’s given us the opportunity to enhance our EDI policies and really think about how we bring diversity to the training centre. Our drive to offer renewables training to our workforce has been hugely successful, with a greater take-up than anticipated. Focusing on the Inclusivity Charter has helped us shape the way forward.

– Lee Miles, Technical Trainer & Development Specialist, E.ON.

04 Why it matters

Why inclusivity matters

The sector cannot afford to leave talent behind.
Too many capable people are still excluded — not because they lack ability, but because of barriers in access, perception and experience.
At the same time, the building services engineering sector is facing a growing skills shortage and an ageing workforce. Inclusivity helps to address both.
By creating training environments that are accessible, supportive and adaptable, centres can open the door to a wider pool of talent.
When training works for more people, it works better for everyone.

05 Our Six Charter Commitments

Our Inclusivity Charter commitments

Centres that sign up to the Inclusivity Charter commit to six core values that guide how training is delivered and experienced

The Inclusivity Charter is built on action. Across the LCL Awards network, centres are already taking practical steps to create more inclusive, supportive and accessible training environments.

01 Charter Commitment

Welcoming Environments

LCL Awards centres are committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive environment where both learners and centre staff feel safe, heard and supported.

Commitment 01 · In Practice

Welcoming Environments

Centres are committed to creating environments where learners and staff feel safe, respected and supported from the moment they arrive. Open communication is encouraged, giving learners the confidence to raise concerns and access support when they need it.

Practical steps include accessible facilities, inclusive washroom options and quiet spaces for reflection or time away from the classroom.

Read about LCL Awards Centres that have adopted this practice:

Universal Skills

02 Charter Commitment

Zero Tolerance for Discrimination

We do not tolerate offensive language, such as sexist or racist comments, from trainers or trainees.

Commitment 02 · In Practice

Zero Tolerance for Discrimination

Centres take a clear and consistent approach to tackling discrimination. Offensive language and unacceptable behaviour are not tolerated, and expectations are clearly communicated to both staff and learners.

This is supported through Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policies, learner agreements and ongoing staff training.

Read about LCL Awards Centres that have adopted this practice:

E.ON

03 Charter Commitment

Supporting All Learners

We consider the needs of all learners, in order to enhance learning experiences and increase opportunity.

Commitment 03 · In Practice

Supporting All Learners

Centres recognise that every learner has different needs. Many begin by identifying these early through onboarding conversations, helping to ensure that the right support is in place from the outset.

Training is adapted where needed, with flexible delivery options, additional assessment time and accessible learning materials.

Read about LCL Awards Centres that have adopted this practice:

Faraday Centre

04 Charter Commitment

Innovative Training Approaches

We are actively exploring a range of training options, using creativity and innovation to improve engagement.

Commitment 04 · In Practice

Innovative Training Approaches

Centres are exploring new ways to make training more engaging and accessible. This includes the use of digital tools, interactive resources and blended learning to support different learning styles.

Innovation also extends beyond delivery. Some centres work with local organisations to improve access to funding or develop new approaches.

Read about LCL Awards Centres that have adopted this practice:

NETA

05 Charter Commitment

Expanding Access to the Sector

Our ambition is to help as many people as possible access the building services engineering sector; to improve lives, improve the sector and combat skills shortages.

Commitment 05 · In Practice

Expanding Access to the Sector

Centres play an important role in opening up opportunities within the sector. Outreach to schools, colleges and local communities helps raise awareness of career pathways and attract new entrants.

Many centres also provide financial support, scholarships or work closely with employers to create clear routes into employment.

Read about LCL Awards Centres that have adopted this practice:

Gas Certification Company

06 Charter Commitment

Valuing Every Individual

We believe that inclusion creates an environment where everyone is valued, feels valued and is therefore able to achieve their highest potential.

Commitment 06 · In Practice

Valuing Every Individual

Centres that prioritise inclusivity understand the impact it has on performance and outcomes. When learners feel respected and supported, they are more likely to succeed.

Feedback from learners and staff is used to continuously improve the training experience.

Read about LCL Awards Centres that have adopted this practice:

HTAA

06 How to Achieve the Charter

How to achieve Inclusivity Charter status

Many LCL Awards centres are already taking positive steps to create inclusive learning environments. Achieving Inclusivity Charter status is a way to formalise this work and clearly communicate your commitment to learners and staff

Before starting the process, it's important to review how your centre currently supports inclusivity and identify where you may want to develop further.

Culture

Culture and behaviour standards

Do you have clear policies in place? How are expectations communicated and upheld across your centre?

Environment

Physical environment

Are your facilities accessible and suitable for a diverse range of learners, including those with additional needs?

Onboarding

Learner onboarding and support

How do you identify and support individual learner needs? What processes are in place to help learners succeed?

Delivery

Flexible delivery options

Do you offer different ways to access training, such as evening or weekend courses, or a mix of in-person and online learning?

Staff

Staff awareness and training

Are staff trained in Equality, Diversity and Inclusion? Do they feel confident supporting a wide range of learners?

Communication

Communication and marketing

Does your messaging reflect a broad and diverse audience? How do you communicate your values to potential learners?

Feedback

Feedback and complaints handling

Do you have systems in place to gather feedback and respond to concerns effectively?

If you are interested in achieving Inclusivity Charter status, the process is designed to support you in recognising what you already do well — while identifying opportunities to strengthen your approach.

Become a Charter Centre

07 Voices from the Network

What centres are saying

Everyone is different and may be dealing with their own challenges... It makes you more aware, and that awareness helps us approach things in the right way.

– Lauren Chase; Hampshire Training and Assessment (HTAA)

I think a lot of people misunderstand the word inclusivity. They think of it in terms of male and female, they don’t realise it’s everything – confidence, learning needs, language barriers, mental health and medical conditions, everything. It’s about making sure everybody gets treated fairly and equally.

– Joanne Kelly; Gas Cerification Company

It’s given us the opportunity to enhance our EDI policies and really think about how we bring diversity to the training centre

– Lee Miles; E.ON

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Ready to become an Inclusivity Charter centre?

Join a growing network of training providers committed to improving access, outcomes and diversity across the building services engineering sector. Whether you are already delivering inclusive training or just starting your journey, the Charter provides the framework to move forward with confidence.

Apply today

Inclusivity Resources and Links

Inclusivity resources

LCL Awards Inclusivity Charter Guide

LCL Awards' Inclusivity Charter has been introduced to help approved centres take steps to make their training facilities welcoming places, with flexible course options to suit people from all walks of life.

DOWNLOAD (6.6MB-pdf)

Inclusivity in news

Gas Certification Company is creating an inclusive training environment built on adaptability, confidence and care

Founded in 1997 by George Loudon, Gas Certification Company Ltd was established to fill a gap in specialist gas training and assessment provision in the local area. Now operating from its larger Blantyre training centre, the business continues to support both experienced engineers and new entrants across domestic, commercial and specialist gas pathways, alongside renewable and low-carbon technologies.

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Hampshire Training and Assessment is building an inclusive training environment with family values at its core

Hampshire Training and Assessment (HTAA) is a family-run, purpose-built training centre where people and practical learning come first. Delivering gas, electrical, plumbing, renewables and an apprenticeship programme, it supports both new entrants and experienced tradespeople in real-world environments.

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The women leading the charge across the LCL Awards network

In celebration of International Women’s Day (8th March), we’re hearing from some of the women running, managing and delivering training across the LCL Awards network. Although still very much in the minority, women in classrooms and leading approved training centres are a visible sign of a sector that is slowly becoming more inclusive and diverse.

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