Contribute to our Race Equality journey at the University

If you are a student or a member of staff from a Black, Asian or minority ethnic background please take part in a focus group discussion and give us your views and experiences.

This is a confidential and safe space for you to discuss measures we need to take to improve the experiences of our Black, Asian and minority ethnic University students and staff.

The focus groups will take place 4 – 15 March 2024.

Participants will receive a £20 voucher to use at the UoB restaurant and café.

For more information and registering your interest to take part, please contact: nishani.jeyapalan@beds.ac.uk

The University of Bedfordshire signed up to the Race Equality Charter (REC) in March 2022 to improve the representation, progression and success of minority ethnic staff and students at the University.

What is the Race Equality Charter?

Advance HE’s Race Equality Charter provides a framework through which institutions work to identify and self-reflect on institutional and cultural barriers standing in the way of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic staff and students. Member institutions develop initiatives and solutions for action, and can apply for a Bronze or Silver Race Equality Charter award, depending on their level of progress.

Our aim is to submit materials for the Charter by the end of 2024.

What have we done?

We have set up a REC Self-Assessment Team (RECSAT) comprising of representatives of students, and professional services and academic staff. The RECSAT will lead a full evaluation of race equality across the University through focus groups and a survey of staff and students. The analysis of the data it gathers will be used to develop an institutional action plan and drive long term strategic change.

Next steps

As part of the evaluation process to assess what racial inequalities and barriers exist currently for our minority ethnic staff and students, the University will be conducting a survey to benchmark and ascertain the current situation.

Data from the survey, as well as focus groups will be used to develop an institutional wide action plan.

Our aim is to submit materials for the Charter by the end of 2024.