The University has developed a list of priorities and a five-year action plan to address the issues identified to date.
The priorities and actions were informed by extensive data analysis and consultation undertaken within the framework of the University’s application for the Race Equality Charter (REC).
This included student and staff surveys, consultations with the Heads of Schools, Senior Tutors and students, the results of focus groups, and recommendations across all staff groups from REC Working Groups.
Priorities and Key Actions
The findings from this internal audit have provided an opportunity for the University to identify key priorities for action. Key areas of work include:
Priority 1: Embedding responsibility for race equality across the University
- Supporting local institutions to develop and uphold racially inclusive policies and practices
- Further training investigators involved in race‑related staff grievances
Priority 2: Improving B.A.M.E. representation at senior levels and in governance
- Identifying and addressing recruitment barriers that limit B.A.M.E. applicants for professorial roles
- Understanding barriers in recruitment for senior Academic and Professional Services roles
Priority 3: Strengthening staff recruitment, support, and belonging
- Further reducing the University’s pay gaps
- Investigating the causes of disparities in fixed‑term and open‑ended contracts
Priority 4: Enhancing student admission, support, and belonging
- Addressing race‑related disparities in undergraduate and postgraduate admissions
- Promoting evidence‑based, research‑led understanding of the ethnicity awarding gap
The University is aware of the limitations of the acronym “BAME” and "BME" and recognises that there is no agreement in the sector as regards what terminology should be used. The University’s intention is to progress equality, foster inclusion and eliminate racism as it has a detrimental impact on everyone.
