In a remarkable achievement, the University of Manchester has been honored with a prestigious Silver Award from the Race Equality Charter (REC) – an accolade granted to only two Higher Education Institutions across the UK.
The university’s attainment of this esteemed recognition follows a rigorous submission of its Race Equality Charter (REC) submission to Advance HE in July. The REC, an integral part of Advance HE’s Equality Charter Marks programme, serves as a platform to identify areas of excellence and improvement while collaboratively creating strategies that promote race equality within the university.
While previously achieving Bronze awards in 2015 and 2018, the University of Manchester’s recent elevation to a Silver Award reflects an advanced stage of introspection, acknowledging progress, recognizing persistent challenges, and crafting a robust, inclusive plan aimed at eliminating racial inequalities.
Dawn Edge, Professor of Mental Health and Inclusivity and University Academic Lead for Race, Religion, and Belief, and Chair of the REC self-assessment team, emphasized the university’s commitment to fostering an anti-discriminatory, anti-racist, and inclusive environment. She highlighted the imperative nature of the Achievement Plan, which emphasizes measurable markers of success in representation, retention, progression, and culture. Professor Edge underscored the collective responsibility shared by all stakeholders in advancing race equality and eliminating discrimination.
The Silver Award application was grounded in comprehensive data analysis and transparent dialogues with students and staff across all echelons. While acknowledging a 96% accomplishment rate for previous actions, these candid conversations revealed varied experiences among individuals, signifying a need for increased awareness and tangible benefits for all members of the university community.
A critical facet of the Silver application revolves around the university’s commitment to fostering ‘Inclusive Environments and Cultures’. This vision hinges upon collaborative efforts to craft integrated actions aligned with clear targets and overarching university strategies.
The University of Manchester’s dedication to advancing race equality is underscored by the release of its transparent REC Achievement Plan, which outlines future focal points on impact rather than mere action. The plan emphasizes progress evaluation and reporting, ensuring an equitable, nurturing academic and professional environment for all individuals associated with the institution.
