University awarded Race Equality Charter bronze mark

The award is granted by Advance HE via a peer review process and recognises the work the University has done so far to meet the standards of the Race Equality Charter and improve the representation, progression and success of minority ethnic staff and students.

The REC provides a framework through which institutions like the University can work to self-reflect on institutional and cultural barriers standing in the way of minority ethnic staff and students.

Professor Iain Gillespie, Principal & Vice-Chancellor of the University, said, “I am hugely encouraged that we have earned the Bronze mark of the Charter. As I have previously stated, this is the beginning of a process for our University and not at all an end in itself.

“We have a lot more work to do, right across the University and our extended community, to ensure far greater equality, inclusion and representation for those from all minority ethnic backgrounds. There is no place for racism, or any other form of discrimination that puts at risk our strongly held values of equality and inclusion, here or anywhere else in our society.

I am committed to making sure the actions associated with the Race Equality Charter remain a priority of the University.”

Professor Hari Hundal, the University’s Race Equality Charter Lead, said, “This award is testament to a tremendous amount of work done by colleagues over the past two years.

“I am pleased to say that work has already started on implementation of some of the actions that we had proposed, including the establishment of a Race Equality Charter Implementation Team who will oversee the delivery of our Action Plan going forward.”

Dr Arun Verma, Head of REC at Advance HE, said, “REC Bronze is recognition of an institution’s robust foundation for eliminating racial inequalities, developing inclusive cultures and moving from commitment to sustainable and integrated bold and ambitious action. 

“Advance HE looks forward to supporting the University of Dundee as they progress their action plans to advance race equality.”