The University of Bedfordshire has been awarded the Bronze Award for the Race Equality Charter (REC), recognising its work in advancing race equality and building a more inclusive university community.
The award follows three years of work involving staff and students, focused on openness, accountability and tackling inequality.
It will now be followed by the implementation of the University’s Race Equality Charter action plan, which aims to bring lasting change across the institution.
The Race Equality Charter, developed by Advance HE, provides a framework for universities to identify and address institutional and cultural barriers to race equality.
Professor Rebecca Bunting, Vice Chancellor of the University of Bedfordshire, said: “This award is the result of three years of determined effort to put our values into action and to continue our journey towards becoming an anti-racist university.
“It marks an important step forward, recognising the progress we’ve made in tackling barriers and building a more inclusive community.
“But let’s be clear – this is just the beginning. In the months ahead, we’ll be putting our REC action plan into practice, working openly and collaboratively with colleagues and students at every step.”
The Race Equality Charter Self-Assessment Team (RECSAT) played a key role in the submission, leading work across the University to prepare for the award.
It is the second accreditation the University has received in recent months, following the Student Minds’ Mental Health Charter Award, which recognised its work on student mental health and wellbeing.
Plans are being made for a celebration later this year, providing staff and students with the opportunity to reflect on their progress so far and look ahead to future work.
