51Âþ»­

51Âþ»­ will soon be launching a new Race Equality Charter Critical Friends Group, and you could be one of the members playing an important part in continuing 51Âþ»­’s journey towards becoming an anti-racist university.

What is the Race Equality Charter Critical Friends Group?

The Race Equality Charter Critical Friends Group is a continuation of the work to support the Race Equality Charter (REC). The REC provides a framework for the university to analyse the systems and processes that impact race equality in the sector.

In 2023, 51Âþ»­ became the first university to be awarded a Race Equality Charter Silver Award from .  

Speaking of the award back in 2023, Susan Orr, Pro Vice Chancellor for Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion said:

"51Âþ»­'s REC submission included a detailed action plan and at 51Âþ»­, and indeed across the sector, there is recognition that there is much work still to do to achieve the racial equity we aspire to in being a truly anti-racist university."

There is still lots that we can do at the university, and so the Race Equality Charter Critical Friends Group will play a part in delivering an anti-racist campus. The group will provide a forum for students and staff who have been directly impacted by racism, or who haven’t been able to share their opinion on the university’s approach to race equality in the current system.

Who can join the group, and how often do I need to attend?

Membership of the group is open to both staff and students, and the group particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian, and other minoritised groups.

The group will meet at least three times a year, and reflect on the actions that the university has been taking towards becoming an anti-racist institution.

How can I join the Race Equality Charter Critical Friends Group?

To join the group, . It only takes a few minutes, and can be completed on any device.

Once the form is completed, someone from the group will contact you within ten working days with details of the next steps.

Applications to join the group close on Friday 15 November.

If you would like to know more about the Race Equality Charter, the Critical Friends group, or our Silver REC award, please contact equality@dmu.ac.uk.