1. Introduction

IBS Training & Development is committed to widening access to higher education and ensuring students from all backgrounds are supported to access, succeed in, and progress from our programmes, aligned with Office for Students (OfS) requirements.

2. Vision, Mission and Strategic Commitment

Vision: To provide transformative education that enables individuals of all backgrounds to realise their potential through accessible, high-quality learning and meaningful progression opportunities.

Mission: To be a leading inclusive provider of further and higher education, removing barriers to learning and fostering social mobility, academic success, and professional development.

IBS integrates equality of opportunity across institutional policy, programme development, admissions and student support.

3. Evidence Base and Data-Informed Approach

IBS draws on internal and external data sources including admissions, retention, attainment, student feedback and sector indicators to identify and address gaps in access, continuation, attainment and progression.

4. Fair Access and Admissions

IBS operates a fair, transparent and supportive admissions process aligned with the UK Quality Code and awarding body criteria. Assessment includes English and numeracy checks, prior learning screening, and academic interviews.

5. Induction and Transition Support

Induction introduces students to programme expectations, academic resources, welfare services, digital tools and careers support. Early-term monitoring supports timely interventions.

7. Progression, Employability and Graduate Outcomes

The Careers and Employability Service provides guidance, labour market insights, CV support, interview preparation and postgraduate progression support.

8. Underrepresented Groups and Targeted Support

IBS directs its widening participation efforts towards students from low socioeconomic backgrounds, minority ethnic groups, disabled students, LGBTQ+ learners, carers, mature learners and first-generation HE students.

9. Student Voice and Co-Creation

Student feedback is collected through Programme Committees, surveys, representation structures and personal tutor engagement to inform policy and improvement.

10. Governance, Monitoring and Review

The Senior Leadership Team oversees delivery of this Statement. It is reviewed annually to ensure alignment with OfS regulatory expectations.