Our Impact

Migrants make up more than 16% of UK’s population, yet they remain significantly under-represented in decision-making spaces. This must change.

Join our advocacy campaigns to help build a stronger, more representative democracy.

Since launching in 2023, the Social Equity Centre has been working to increase the representation of first-generation migrants across the UK public sector through research, training, advocacy and partnership working.  

Although we are a young organisation, we have already achieved significant milestones:

• Developed the first bespoke and BIIAB & Skills and Education Group accredited Local Government Training Programme
• Delivered our first Local Government Training Programme supporting first-generation migrants in London to develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to access careers in local government.
• Trained more than 35 first-generation migrants from over 10 different countries, helping participants better understand how local government works and identify career pathways into public sector employment.

• Engaged more than 600 people including first-generation migrants, community leaders, diplomats, elected councillors and MPs, researchers and think tanks through events, presentations, trainings, and information sessions.
• Published the UK's first Migrant Representation in UK Local Government Workforces: Advancing Justice and Participation for Equitable Governance report focused on the representation of first-generation migrants in local government workforces, helping to build the evidence base for policy and systems change.
• Launched our research at London's City Hall, bringing together academics, policymakers, local government leaders and community organisations to advance the conversation on migrant representation.
• Secured funding from organisations including the National Lottery Community Fund and Paul Hamlyn Foundation to expand our work and increase our impact.
• Developed strong partnerships with local authorities, universities, charities and CICs to create a more inclusive public sector.

Our work is already making a difference. Participants who attended our trainings report increased confidence, improved understanding of public sector careers and greater motivation to pursue leadership and employment opportunities. Within three months of graduating our Local Government Training Programme in London, every participant had searched for roles in the sector and 80% had identified positions matching their skills; several applied and one reached the interview stage in a local council. Participants have asked us to establish an Alumni Network, which we are seeking funding to deliver.

Through our research and advocacy, we are pushing to influence how public institutions understand, measure and improve migrant representation.

This is only the beginning. We remain committed to creating a public sector where first-generation migrants are fairly represented, valued and empowered to shape the decisions that affect their communities.