As a technical education historian, I’m appalled to witness the alarming decision from the trustees and senior executives of the City & Guilds of London Institute to sell off this prestigious public institution. Established 150 years ago, City & Guilds has been a cornerstone of technical education in the UK, contributing significantly to our national skills and workforce development.

Recent reports have revealed that the business assets of this charitable institution are on the brink of being privatised and potentially asset stripped, with significant job losses anticipated as roles move abroad. Even more concerning, the CEO and Finance Director are reportedly set to receive multimillion-pound bonuses as part of this deal, raising serious ethical and governance concerns.

This move undermines the very ethos of City & Guilds—an institution that has historically prioritised education and skill development over profit. Private ownership raises the risk of diverting focus from its educational mission to financial gain, which may lead to increased fees, reduced access for disadvantaged learners, and a decline in quality education and training.

It is imperative that the UK Government and the Charity Commission take urgent action to halt this sale. They must ensure that City & Guilds remains a public institution dedicated to upholding its legacy in serving public interest through educational excellence.

We call upon everyone to join this urgent campaign to protect City & Guilds from being sold off to private speculators abroad. Let us stand together to preserve this invaluable piece of our educational heritage. Please sign this petition to ensure City & Guilds remains a public asset, committed to fostering skills and education for future generations. Together, our voices can make a difference. Sign now to stop the privatisation of City & Guilds!