Duchess of Edinburgh Launches Ealing's SEND Partnership Charter
Initiative aims to tackle low employment rates among learning disabled
The Duchess shares a joke with an attendee at the event
September 10, 2026
Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Edinburgh visited the University of West London (UWL) on Monday 7 September to formally launch the Ealing SEND Partnership Charter, a new borough-wide commitment to improving employment opportunities for young people with special educational needs and disabilities.
The Duchess joined representatives from local businesses, community organisations and charities to learn how the Charter aims to tackle Ealing’s persistently low employment rate among people with learning disabilities. In Ealing, just 2.2% of adults with learning disabilities are in paid work — far below the London average of 7%. The Charter brings together Ealing Council, UWL, West London Business, West London Chambers of Commerce, Ealing Business Club and the Ealing SEND Network to encourage employers to create more inclusive pathways into work, including supported internships, apprenticeships, work experience and paid roles.
During her visit, The Duchess met young people with SEND, employers and local organisations to hear directly about the barriers they face and the difference that tailored support can make. The event also showcased the talent and creativity within Ealing’s SEND community. The Duchess watched a boccia match between UWL students and PACE Charitable Trust, followed by a signed dance performance from IMPACT Theatre, a user-led charity that builds communication and confidence through the arts.
The formal launch featured a film and discussion exploring real SEND experiences in the workplace, highlighting how inclusive employment can transform young people’s confidence and independence while giving employers access to committed and capable staff. The session also outlined the practical support available to organisations signing the Charter, including job-coaching and help matching young people to suitable roles.
UWL’s own Supported Internship Programme has already demonstrated the impact of this approach, with interns progressing into paid employment at organisations including Equans, Mencap and Next.
Professor Peter John CBE, Vice-Chancellor and President of UWL, said: “Every young person, regardless of need or background, should have the opportunity to develop skills, contribute to their community and access meaningful employment. UWL is proud to be a founding member of the Ealing SEND Partnership Charter. By working together, we can help talented young people with SEND to thrive, progress and contribute to Ealing’s future workforce.”
Addressing attendees, The Duchess praised the borough’s commitment to inclusion: “Thank you to Ealing and everyone in this Borough for doing what you are doing for these young people. You're giving people chances and it's making a world of difference to them, to their outlooks and to their families.”
To mark the occasion, The Duchess unveiled a plaque celebrating both the launch of the Charter and the opening of UWL’s newly completed St Mary’s Road reception — the final milestone in the University’s campus transformation programme.
Organisations signing the Charter will work with the Ealing SEND Network to identify opportunities, match young people with roles and access ongoing advice and job-coaching support, helping to build a more inclusive workforce across the borough.
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