Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, visited Ealing’s University of West London (UWL) as a new drive was launched to improve employment opportunities for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
The Duchess was at the university’s St Mary’s Road campus on Monday (7 September 2026) to launch the Ealing SEND Partnership Charter, which is seeking more work experience, supported internships, apprenticeships and paid jobs from local employers.
Just 2.2% of people with learning disabilities in Ealing are in employment, compared with a London average of 7%.
During her visit, the Duchess met young people with SEND, employers and local organisations and heard about some of the barriers people face in finding work and how support can help.
Addressing the audience, the Duchess said: “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.”
The charter has been established by Ealing Council, UWL, West London Business, West London Chambers of Commerce, Ealing Business Club and the Ealing SEND Network.
Employers signing up can work with the Ealing SEND Network to identify opportunities, match young people with roles and access job coaching and other support.
Professor Peter John CBE, vice-chancellor and president of UWL, said: “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.”
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