Lancaster University Recognized with Bronze Award for Race Equality Efforts
Lancaster University has taken a critical step forward in its work to advance race equality by achieving the Advance HE Race Equality Charter (REC) Bronze Award.
The Charter aims to help universities improve the representation, experience, progression and success of racially minoritised staff and students within higher education.
The Bronze Award recognises the University’s work so far, which includes identifying race equality issues, defining a comprehensive action plan, and committing to its implementation.
Lancaster is one of 52 REC members to have achieved the award, which remains valid for five years. The University is now set to implement its action plan.
A University-wide effort
Lancaster signed up to the Charter in March 2021. The next three years saw contributions from staff and students across the University, as Lancaster invested in work to critically reflect and act on barriers to racial equality.
Staff were recruited to new roles in support of REC, and the Institutional Self-Assessment Team (REC ISAT) was formed. Working groups were then tasked to focus on the areas of staff experience, student experience, anti-harassment and bullying, and data.
Meanwhile, the University’s REC team engaged with unions, community groups and student societies, and also invited all staff and students to share their experiences and ideas through student surveys and focus groups.
Action plan and implementation
Understanding the barriers to equality enabled the development of the University’s REC action plan, which is split between five priority areas: improving understanding, governance and leadership, student experience, staff pipeline, and process and transparency.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Rebecca Lingwood, who chairs the University EDI Committee, is responsible for the action plan.
She said: “This is an important step in breaking down barriers and ensuring anti-racism is embedded throughout the University’s structures and culture. I’m delighted the University has reached this point. I am focused on action – there is no room for complacency – so, a REC Implementation Group will be formed shortly.
“We plan to take an intersectional approach to implementing the plan, taking into account the combinations of characteristics and identities within our community.
“I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has been involved in this work so far – your contributions are invaluable. I look forward to working with our Lancaster community on the next phase.”
Lead of the ISAT, Distinguished Professor Chakravarthi Ram-Prasad, said: “We are delighted that Lancaster University has been awarded Bronze for the Race Equality Charter from Advance HE. Much hard work went into the preparation of the submission from colleagues and students across the University, especially the Institutional Self-Assessment Team and the working groups.
“The Data Working Group was critical to providing the foundation for our submission, and for leading on the staff and student surveys. University leadership and all members of the REC team are well aware that the award is only the first step, and we look forward to the action plan being implemented in the coming years.”
Anne Mwangi, Head of the Race Equality Charter, said: “REC Bronze is recognition of an institution’s robust foundation for eliminating racial inequalities, developing inclusive cultures and moving from commitment to sustainable and integrated bold and ambitious action.
“Advance HE looks forward to supporting Lancaster University as it progresses its action plans to advance race equality.”