BU became a member of the Race Equality Charter in 2016. In recognition of our efforts to promote race equality and inclusion, we were awarded a Race Equality Charter Bronze Award in August 2023.

Race Equality Charter - bronze award logo

The Race Equality Charter’s mission is to improve the representation, experience, progression and success of minority ethnic staff and students within higher education.

We believe that we cannot reach our full potential unless we benefit from the talents of our whole community, and until all individuals from all ethnic backgrounds can benefit equally from available opportunities.

Framework and action plans

The Race Equality Charter provides a rigorous and robust framework through which universities work to identify and address institutional and cultural barriers facing Black, Asian and minority ethnic students and staff. This includes a reflection framework, which facilitates the development of initiatives and solutions for tackling issues such as gaps in degree awarding, student employability, staff recruitment and progression.

As part of this process, we've developed a comprehensive Race Equality Action Plan, with responsibility for its implementation shared across BU. This ensures a coordinated and collaborative approach to understanding and addressing issues.

Our Race Equality Charter (REC) self-assessment team (SAT), composed of key stakeholders from across the university, plays a crucial role in supporting the delivery of our institutional submission and action plan.

Currently, AdvanceHE, the body overseeing the Race Equality Charter, only offers institutional-level awards. The application process requires written input from each Dean, ensuring that disciplinary differences are acknowledged and considered. Responsibility for implementing actions is shared and delegated across our faculties and schools to promote accountability and drive progress. 

To find out more please email: [email protected]