Advance HE’s Race Equality Charter (REC) aims to improve the representation, experiences, progression, and success of staff and students from racially minoritised ethnic groups within higher education.
Benefits of joining the Race Equality Charter
Advancing race equality within your institution has the potential to lead to a range of benefits for your institution. These include:
- committing to higher degree awarding rates, improved continuation rates and improved employment outcomes for minority ethnic students;
- evidencing your institution’s commitment to equality and diversity, as required by research councils or devolved government;
- complementing your internationalisation agenda for an improved experience for your international students and staff;
- increasing awareness of globalisation and diversity for all students, which is attractive to prospective employers;
- developing evidence based actions that result in long-term cultural change;
- promoting your plans to attract, utilise and retain talented individuals;
- increasing the potential for innovation and creativity throughout your institution;
- joining up other shared institutional agendas such as widening participation;
- meeting your legal obligations of the Equality Act 2010 and Freedom of Speech Act 2023.
Race Equality Charter members can:
- Apply for institutional Bronze and Silver Race Equality Charter awards
- Access a range of resources, guidance, and publications to support award submissions
- Attend workshops and development sessions designed to help institutions prepare for Charter awards
- Receive expert advice and support from Advance HE’s Equality Charters team
- Join the Race Equality Charter community on Advance HE Connect to share knowledge, experiences and good practice with peers
Good Practice Initiatives
The database showcases the wide range of gender and race equality initiatives taking place across the higher education sector. It provides Athena Swan 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 Athena Swan
Join Athena Swan
In the UK, Advance HE Membership provides access to Athena Swan. Once your institution is a member you can then apply for an institutional or departmental Athena Swan award. This provides access to the Equality Charters, supporting institutions to advance gender equality and create inclusive environments across higher education.
