EAUC welcomes the Just Transition Framework agreement

30th June 2025

EAUC has welcomed the launch of the Just Transition Framework, a landmark agreement announced on 26 June by the Association of Colleges (AOC) in partnership with college trade unions (UCU, Unite, GMB, NEU and Unison).

The joint agreement sets out a local strategy for colleges in England to work towards a more sustainable future with a focus on playing a bigger role in the green economy and development of new skills. It particularly recognises the central role that staff play in helping to make this a reality.

The framework was developed as part of a ground-breaking just transition climate and sustainability element of the unions 2023/24 pay claim.
 

Climate Action Roadmap as a key resource 

EAUC particularly welcomes the framework’s references to the 2024 Climate Action Roadmap for Colleges and tracking template which EAUC co-developed with AoC.

These resources remain freely available to all colleges and will help colleges adhere to the principles set out in the framework. Many other EAUC tools and networks are also available to support colleges in this journey.
 

Equipping staff 

Crucially, a just transition depends on equipping people working in the further education sector with the knowledge, skills and confidence to actively contribute to sustainability action within their institutions. A wide range of CPD, communities of practice, resources and news sources are also available through EAUC to support colleges to invest in their staff so they can lead this change.

Commenting on the framework, Charlotte Bonner, Chief Executive of EAUC, said:

“Fairness and equity must be at the heart of sustainability solutions. If we silo our responses to climate and ecological challenges, we risk missing the systemic opportunities that more holistic action provides – for people and planet.

We commend AoC and the Joint Trade Unions for their collaboration on this vital subject. Partnership working is key to meaningful progress. As a long-standing partner to AoC, EAUC is ready to provide ongoing support to AoC members to enable the delivery of this framework across England’s colleges." 

Ian Munro, Director for Sustainability, Health and Care, Association of Colleges, said:

“We are proud to have worked alongside college trade unions as part of the campaign to boost the green economy and the involvement of colleges across England. Colleges and their staff are a vital part of the move towards a just transition, and we look forward to continuing this collaborative partnership with the unions and colleges to embed this framework in the coming years.”
 

Pilot colleges

Five colleges that have signed up to pilot the Just Transition agreement

- Bedford College
- Chelmsford College
- Dudley College
- Fircroft College
- North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College (NWSLC)

EAUC strongly encourage colleges to adopt this framework. Colleges have a vital role to play as anchor institutions in enabling a fair, skills-focused transition to a net zero future.