Established in 2015, the Race Equality Charter (REC) supports institutions in their work to drive out racism and tackle inequalities across staff and student communities.
The Updated Race Equality Charter is a sector led initiative that higher education institutions voluntarily join to advance race equality. It aims to improve the representation, experiences, progression and success of staff and students from racially minoritised ethnic groups. Covering all areas of institutional activity, the Charter supports organisations to assess their context, identify priorities and take flexible, evidence based action to drive meaningful and sustainable change.
About the Race Equality Charter
The Race Equality Charter provides a structured yet flexible approach for institutions to:
- Improved degree outcomes, continuation rates and employment outcomes for minority ethnic students
- Clear evidence of your commitment to equality and diversity
- Enhanced international experience for staff and students
- Greater awareness of globalisation and diversity among students
- Evidence-based actions that support long-term cultural change
- Stronger ability to attract, develop and retain talent
- Increased innovation and creativity across your institution
- Alignment with wider priorities such as widening participation
- Support in meeting legal obligations under the Equality Act 2010 and Freedom of Speech Act 2023
It covers all aspects of an institution’s activity, including academic and research staff, professional, technical and operational staff and students at every level.
A proven approach for meaningful change
REC awards recognise and support institutional progress in race equality through a structured framework, expert guidance and formal recognition.
The Charter promotes inclusive practices that improve the recruitment, retention, progression and success of staff and students from racially minoritised ethnic groups, driving lasting cultural change.
REC awards drive progress in race equality through a structured framework, expert support and formal recognition, helping institutions evidence their commitment to the sector and their communities.
By design, the Charter does not prescribe, so it must be flexible; it must be clear and applicable; and it must be both streamlined yet rigorous. It can do none of these without the ‘voice’ of the sector and you as Charter members to shape it. I would therefore like to thank all those who have participated in the consultations and shaping the Updated REC Charter.”
Alison Johns, Former Chief Executive Officer – Advance HE
Guiding Principles of the Race Equality Charter
The Race Equality Charter is underpinned by five fundamental guiding principles.
Already REC Member?
Access member resources
If you are already a Race Equality Charter member you will find all the latest application guidance, forms and templates in Advance HE Connect in the Race Equality Charter Members Network group (members access only).
If you are already a member, you can log in here, or sign up to access the group here.
REC Timeline
The timeline below highlights key milestones in the journey of the Race Equality Charter (REC), which marks 10 years of advancing race equity in higher education and research. Since its launch, the Charter has supported institutions in addressing racial inequalities, informed inclusive policy and practice, and grown into a powerful framework for long-term change.
More about the Race Equality Charter
Race Equality Charter Signatories
Institutional members and the awards that they hold.
Patrons
Supporting and championing the Race Equality Charter principles.
The Race Equality Charter Governance Committee
Informs and oversees the development of the Charter.
Panel members and observers
Information on becoming a panel member or observer.
Apply for REC award
Membership of Advance HE provides access for your institution to th REC scheme.
Celebrating progress and looking ahead
The Race Equality Charter has supported progress in race equality across higher education and research.
It continues to drive positive change by helping institutions build inclusive cultures, share good practice and deliver lasting impact.
Good Practice Initiatives
The database showcases the wide range of gender and race equality initiatives taking place across the higher education sector. It provides REC members with practical, evidence-based ideas that can be adapted to their own institutional context.
The initiatives are drawn from analysis of selected successful Athena Swan and Race Equality Charter applications, highlighting approaches that have demonstrated real impact in practice.
Applying for REC
Join REC
Advance HE Membership provides access to the Race Equality Charter in the UK. Once a member, your institution can apply for a REC award at institutional level.
The Charter supports action on racial inequalities through self-assessment, action planning and culture change, helping to create inclusive environments for staff and students.
