Race Equality Charter

Improving the representation, progression and success of minority ethnic staff and students within higher education.

ECU’s Race Equality Charter (REC) provides a framework through which institutions work to identify and self-reflect on institutional and cultural barriers standing in the way of minority ethnic staff and students. Member institutions develop initiatives and solutions for action, and can apply for a Bronze or Silver REC award, depending on their level of progress.

REC covers:

• professional and support staff
• academic staff
• student progression and attainment
• diversity of the curriculum

REC background

ECU began developing REC in 2012 following the impact Athena SWAN has had in gender equality. There was a growing appetite for a race-specific charter within the sector, and many of ECU’s key stakeholders were actively supportive of the development.

ECU consulted on the concept of a race equality charter, developed a draft framework, and then consulted again with the sector. Following this development, we trialed the framework with volunteer institutions, resulting in 21 applications and eight institutions receiving a Bronze award.

As with Athena SWAN, REC is an evolving charter. Institutions are expected to start at Bronze level and progress to Silver. In the longer-term, we also anticipate the charter criteria changing as the sector progresses and race equality is advanced.