Eight UK universities have been awarded the Race Equality Charter Mark, in recognition for their efforts in tackling racial inequality on their campuses.
The Race Equality Charter was launched in 2014 by the Equality Challenge Unit (ECU), a charity that supports equality and diversity in higher education across the UK. The Charter's aim while being launched were to encourage an imperative approach to making cultural and methodical changes and a difference to minority ethnic students and staff.
There were 30 universities that had embarked on the journey, however, only 21 managed to complete it, and 8 received the Bronze Award, recognising the quality of work that was carried out and the vigour of the plans.
De Montford University, King's College London, Kingston University, Royal Holloway University London, Staffordshire University, University of Hertfordshire, UCL (including the Institute of Education) and University of Manchester are the eight universities who successfully received the award.
Head if Equality at ECU, Sarah Dickinson said, “They have all worked extremely hard and I'm delighted they are now able to celebrate the fruits of their efforts.”
Vice principal of King's College London, Chris Mottershead said, “A critical assessment of our performance in this area was long overdue and this is a key step in us becoming the diverse and inclusive organisation we want to be.”
Professor Dominic Shellard, De Montford University's vice-chancellor added, “Institutions had to demonstrate their inclusive culture and determination to improve by preparing an action plan to tackle racial equality, as well as identifying any barriers to progression.”
