Race Equality Week

The UK’s inaugural Race Equality Week takes place between 1 and 7 February 2021. The initiative is being launched by Race Equality Matters, aiming to unite organisations and individuals in activity to address issues affecting ethnic minority employees.

The theme for the event is ‘Transparency and Accountability’, and in response to this we wanted to take this opportunity to update on recent progress made by the University in our commitment to addressing racial inequalities across the University community.

Race Equality Charter

The University of Huddersfield has recently signed up to the Advance HE’s Race Equality Charter (REC).  The REC helps universities to improve the representation, progression and success of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) staff and students within higher education.  It provides a comprehensive framework that institutions use to identify and self-reflect on institutional and cultural barriers standing in the way of BAME staff and students.

As part of our commitment, within the next three years, we will be applying for a Bronze Award by developing initiatives and solutions to improve race equality across the University.  To do this, we are bringing together a self-assessment team (SAT) who will look at the experiences of both staff and students covering the following: professional service and support staff, academic staff, student progression and attainment and curriculum diversity.  Members of the SAT will explore these areas and then develop initiatives and solutions to improve any issues identified.

Investing in Ethnicity   

The University has engaged with the Investing in Ethnicity Maturity Matrix in recent years, enabling us to work towards positive improvements and narrowing inequalities surrounding race at the University.   This has provided us with a framework and strategy based on levels of maturity, which is aligned to the Race at Work Charter and many other report recommendations.

We are delighted to announce that after a recent submission, we have been awarded level one of the Maturity Matrix which highlights we have gathered knowledge, invested in BAME-led stakeholders and are able to start conversations in order to progress.

Race at Work Charter

The University became a member of the Race at Work Charter in March 2020, in doing so the University has signed up to the following five commitments:

1. Appoint an Executive Sponsor for race
2. Capture ethnicity data and publicise progress
3. Commit at board level to zero tolerance of harassment and bullying
4. Make clear that supporting equality in the workplace is the responsibility of all leaders and managers
5. Take action that supports minority ethnic career progression

How to get involved and show your support during Race Equality Week

Social Media Badge, Virtual Background and Email Signature

Show your support for Race Equality Week 2021 - download your social media badge, a virtual background for Microsoft Teams or Zoom and your email signature below.