A BOURNEMOUTH university has become the only university to be awarded an inclusive employers standard silver award.

Coinciding with National Inclusion Week, Arts University Bournemouth have shared it is very proud of the award and that it was the first time it had entered.

The IES is an evidence-based inclusion accreditation run to help understand how inclusive the UK workforce is.

Kerry Sheehan, Director of People, Inclusion and Organisational Development at AUB, said: "From a student perspective, it’s well known that we’re an inclusive university, it’s always been one of our strengths and comes through time and time again on university rankings.

"Inclusivity really is at the core of who we are as a university and to be recognised as an inclusive employer as well an inclusive place to study truly demonstrates that commitment."

A detailed overview of AUB's inclusion activities was submitted in line with the six pillars of the IES's framework.

Offering a range of inclusive events, Kerry believes the university's work to speak to staff about its inclusion agenda has also been crucial in securing the award.

Emily Pattinson, Senior Inclusive Employers Standard Programme Lead said: "In what can feel like an overwhelming time for inclusion and diversity work, organisations like AUB are part of driving meaningful change."