Race Equality Charter
24 Aug 2023
What's next?
In July, the University submitted its Race Equality Charter (REC) application to Advance HE.
REC provides a framework for engagement, critical self-assessment and action planning on race inequalities. Adopting this framework allows us to identify our own good practice and areas for further positive action. Formal accreditation enables us to make clear our commitment to race equality internally and externally.
The University has been part of REC since its inception in 2015. Our previous submissions in 2015 and 2018 received Bronze awards in recognition of our foundation for eliminating racial inequalities, developing inclusive cultures and moving from commitment to sustainable and integrated bold and ambitious action.
This time, we applied for a Silver award. Our application focuses on developing inclusive cultures and a commitment to becoming an anti-racist, anti-discriminatory organisation through bold, ambitious, sustainable and integrated actions. The application itself and conversations with students and staff provided evidence of progress made since the previous submission and the impact of actions to date to foster ‘Inclusive Environment and Culture’ (taken from the EDI Strategy):
I feel I can be myself at work ... The University is a fantastic place to work with most colleagues being open to new ideas. EDI does seem higher on the agenda and there are conversations about it, so my voice does feel heard, and it matters – focus group participant during the REC self-assessment process.
We will receive the outcome of our application in the autumn. Whether we receive a Silver award or not, we are committed to progressing race equality. Progress to deliver our ambitious action plan and implement systems for monitoring and accountability is underway, with action aligned with the EDI Strategy which has entered its second year.
Preparing the submission was a huge undertaking. We would like to thank all involved, including the self-assessment team of staff and students, data colleagues, senior stakeholders and members of Staff Network Groups, especially the Black, Asian Minority Ethnic (BAME) Network, and all staff and students who shared their views through surveys and focus groups.
Ongoing progress will result from shared responsibility – and we will share our action plan for full transparency of our commitments when our award is ratified.
Dawn Edge, Professor of Mental Health and Inclusivity, University Academic Lead for Race, Religion and Belief and Chair of the REC self-assessment team
Banji Adewumi MBE, Director of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Fran Guratsky, Chartermark Coordinator
Further information: