Drawn from across the higher education sector, our five patrons bring their academic expertise and backgrounds in race equality to support and champion the Race Equality Charter principles.
The patrons will support Advance HE to ensure race equality remains on the HE agenda, to inspire and encourage institutions to commit to improving the representation, progression and success of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic staff and students within higher education.
Our patrons
Baroness Afshar OBE
Baroness Halen Afshar is emeritus professor of politics at the University of York and serves as a crossbench peer in the House of Lords, she is also a fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences.
Professor Aneez Esmail
Professor Esmail is a professor of general practice at the University of Manchester and continues to work as a clinician. He is an active campaigner for equality both in higher education and the NHS.
Professor Kevin Hylton
Kevin Hylton is professor of equality and diversity in sport, leisure and education at Leeds Beckett University and is the first Black professor to hold this title. Professor Hylton has published extensively about diversity, equity and inclusion.
Dr Nicola Rollock
Professor Nicola Rollock is Professor of Social Policy & Race at King’s College London and Distinguished Fellow, Faculty of Education at the University of Cambridge. She helps people think critically about how they understand racial justice and, as a result, implement better strategies for change.
Professor Laura Serrant OBE
Professor Laura Serrant is is Head of the School of Nursing, at Manchester Metropolitan University. Professor Serrant was awarded an OBE in the Queen’s 2018 birthday honours, Queens Nurse status by the Queen’s Nursing Institute and in 2014 was recognised by the Health Service Journal in three separate categories including the BME Pioneers category.
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.
