The move signals the group commitment to advancing diversity and inclusion in its senior level – and lead a change across the education sector.
Change the Race Ratio, founded in 2020 and spearheaded by Lord Karan Bilimoria, brings together businesses and institutions from over 30 sectors, representing more than 650,000 employees.
The campaign works closely with the Parker Review – an independent review commissioned by the UK government to examine and recommend ways to increase the ethnic diversity of UK boards – and provides members with tools, data, and best practices to drive meaningful progress on racial and ethnic diversity in leadership roles.
STCG Group Principal and CEO, Peter Mayhew-Smith said: “South Thames Colleges Group is committed to promoting inclusion and actively tackling discrimination. To help us do this better, we’re excited announce our membership with Change the Race Ratio, our new partners in this big strategic task before us. We’re delighted to work with them to build our capabilities and learn from the practice of others."
The group will set and publish targets, be transparent about its progress, and foster a culture that enables diverse thinking and talent to thrive. This aligns with CtRR’s core message that diversity and inclusion in the boardroom is a global business imperative and that collective action is essential to accelerate change.
The group is encouraging staff and students to join the conversation on social media using #ChangeTheRaceRatio and to engage with other members of the campaign. By becoming a CtRR member, South Thames Colleges Group demonstrates its commitment to building a more inclusive future for education and beyond.
Richard DeNetto, CEO, CtRR said: “We’re proud to welcome South Thames Colleges Group to Change the Race Ratio.
"As the first further education colleges within our membership, we’re delighted to work with South Thames Colleges Group in advancing inclusion and congratulate them for their leadership on this matter.
"Colleges and further education institutions play a vital role in their local communities, and it’s essential that leadership teams across the sector reflect the diversity of their students and the wider society. We’re committed to supporting that progress and accelerate change.”
