Invitation to racially minoritised colleagues to attend Employee Network Focus Groups
24 Jun 2026
A message from Professor Duncan Ivison
In recent weeks I have been reflecting on the findings of an independent investigation into a whistleblowing complaint which raised concerns about specific issues within the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (B.A.M.E) Network.
What is clear to me is that there is a need to strengthen how we create spaces for colleagues to connect and to influence our work on race equity across the University.
Further detail, including a summary of the report and a communication to Network members from Professor Nalin Thakkar, is available here.
I and other senior leaders have been speaking with colleagues across the University to understand people's experiences and what would be the most helpful next steps informed by our racially minoritised colleagues. A consistent message has been the importance of taking time to listen and reflect, as well as creating space for colleagues to ask further questions about the investigation and how we can do better.
I am therefore inviting colleagues who identify as racially minoritised and/or from the Global Majority, including current and former members of the B.A.M.E colleague Network, to take part in a series of facilitated discussions over the coming weeks.
These conversations are an opportunity to share experiences, reflect on what colleagues want and need from the institution, and consider what forms of community and collective voice would feel respectful, supportive, inclusive of differing experiences and ideas in a meaningful way going forward.
These conversations will help shape what comes next. We will reflect carefully on what is shared, consider all suggestions, identify the actions that are needed and be transparent about how feedback informs future decisions about networks and race equity.
This work is important. It is part of how we build a university where people feel free to speak openly, be heard and are treated fairly, and feel they have influence over the issues that affect them.
Professor Duncan Ivison
President and Vice-Chancellor
Facilitated discussion dates: These four focus group discussions will be led by independent facilitators Cherron Inko-Tariah MBE (The Power of Staff Networks) and Rob Neil OBE, who bring deep expertise of working in EDI policy, strategy and with staff networks.
Please only sign up for ONE session, most relevant/convenient to you.
Wednesday, 8 July (10.00am) – online
Open to all present and past members of the B.A.M.E Network as well as Global Majority / racially minoritised colleagues not currently a member of the Network.
Thursday, 9 July (1.00pm) – Hybrid
Open to all present and past members of the B.A.M.E Network as well as Global Majority / racially minoritised colleagues not currently a member of the Network.
Wednesday, 15 July (1.00pm) online.
Focus Group for Global Majority / racially minoritised female colleagues ONLY
Thursday, 16 July (1.00pm) - online (open to all allies / colleagues)
Focus Group: Open to all UoM colleagues/ allies including Global Majority / racially minoritised colleagues and white colleagues.