Gateway Qualifications has been awarded the prestigious Silver Chartermark by the Social Recruitment Advocacy Group (SRAG), recognising its commitment to inclusive hiring and social value.
The Chartermark is a national benchmark developed by SRAG in partnership with PeoplePlus, designed to celebrate organisations that embed socially responsible recruitment practices. The Silver level is awarded to organisations that not only commit to inclusive recruitment but also demonstrate measurable success in delivering social value through their employment practices.
SRAG is a growing coalition of employers, training providers, and community organisations that believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to work, regardless of their background. The group advocates for the recruitment of individuals who face barriers to employment, including those with experience of the criminal justice system, long-term unemployment, or other forms of disadvantage. By joining SRAG, organisations commit to a shared mission of creating fairer, more inclusive workplaces and contributing to stronger communities.
Gateway Qualifications joined SRAG in 2024 and has since taken significant steps to align its internal practices and external partnerships with the group’s principles. This includes its work with the prison education sector, where the organisation has helped deliver Essential Digital Skills Qualifications (EDSQ) in secure environments. By developing secure simulations and enabling restricted internet access in prison education wings, Gateway Qualifications has helped remove barriers to learning and employment for individuals in custody.
Speaking about the award, Chief Executive Officer Fabienne Bailey said:
“We are proud to be recognised with the Silver Chartermark for Social Recruitment. This award reflects our ongoing commitment to creating opportunities for individuals who are often overlooked in the labour market. As a charitable awarding organisation, we believe in the power of education and employment to transform lives, and we are determined to keep pushing forward.”
The Chartermark framework includes four levels—Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Ambassador—each representing a deeper level of engagement and impact. Gateway Qualifications’ achievement of the Silver level marks a significant milestone, and the organisation has already set its sights on progressing further.
“This is just the beginning,” added Bailey. “We are committed to continuous improvement and to making an even greater impact through our recruitment practices and the work we do across the education and skills sector.”
The award will be formally presented at a ceremony in July, where Gateway Qualifications will be recognised alongside other organisations leading the way in social recruitment.
To learn more about the Social Recruitment Advocacy Group and the Chartermark framework, visit https://peopleplus.co.uk/social-recruitment-advocacy-group.