Huddersfield achieves Bronze Award from Race Equality Charter
The University of Huddersfield is delighted to have been awarded the Race Equality Charter Bronze Award in recognition of the progress made in advancing race equality and commitment to progressing equality within the organisation.
This work has been led by our Race Equality Self-Assessment Team, co-chaired by Professor Jane Owen-Lynch (Pro Vice Chancellor for Teaching and Learning) and Dr. Berenice Golding (School Director of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in Human and Health Sciences).
The award recognises the University’s commitment to Advance HE’s Race Equality Charter which sets out principles for transforming race equality within Higher Education Institutions.
Professor Bob Cryan CBE, University of Huddersfield Vice-Chancellor, said, “I am delighted that our commitment to achieving race equality, as demonstrated by the actions we have undertaken, has been deservedly recognised by this Bronze Award.”
“I am very proud of the progress we have made so far. The passion from colleagues has been to drive change, to have a better understanding of the issues faced by Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic students and staff, to implement inclusive practices and embed diversity into teaching and learning and showcase diversity across our campus.”
Co-Chairs Professor Jane Owen-Lynch and Dr. Berenice Golding said: "The REC Bronze Award is testament to the commitment of all staff and students to race equality and we are very proud that our University has achieved this accolade. This Award, however, is just the start and we are looking forward to ensuring that we continue our work towards advancing intersectional race equality."
The University established a Self-Assessment Team (REC SAT), comprised of academics, professional and support services staff, along with student representation, in 2020. Working groups were also established to progress work in areas that needed focused input.
The application evaluates the University’s current investment in race equality, with an intersectional lens where possible, to develop a comprehensive Action Plan.
Among the initiatives undertaken by the University since it signed up to the REC in September 2020 are:
• Reduction in the attainment gap for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic students
• ‘Root out racism’ movement, addressing institutional and structural racism as well as health and social inequalities across West Yorkshire
• Broaden My Bookshelf panel debate – ‘Diversify or decolonise?’ – and a widening of the University library’s general literature and academic portfolio
• Development of materials designed by students for staff training following workshops for staff and students highlighting microaggressions encountered by Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic students.
Included in the REC’s list of examples of good practice by the University were,
• The Inclusivity Framework for Course Design, which puts equality at the heart of student academic experience
• Partnering with recruitment consultants to promote an increase in applicants from under-represented groups, which demonstrates the positive impact that the HE sector can have by influencing partners
• HuDAP/Flying Start programmes, which see intersectional data being used as the basis for targeted interventions to support students.
Also highlighted by the REC was the University’s honest recognition of the race challenges it faces, the relevant actions made by the University based on its understanding of the data it has collected and its acknowledgement of its ties to the local area, with willingness to collaborate with the local community.
Advance HE’s Race Equality Charter mission is to improve the representation, experience, progression and success of racially minoritised staff and students within higher education. It provides a rigorous and robust framework through which institutions work to critically reflect and act on institutional and cultural barriers standing in the way of the progression and success of racially minoritised staff and students.
If you have any questions about our Race Equality Charter work, please contact our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Team via EDI@Hud.ac.uk
Click to view the Race Equality Charter Action Plan