Ulster University has been awarded the Race Equality Charter Bronze Award by Advance HE, recognising its commitment to tackling racial inequalities and building a more inclusive environment for staff and students.
The award follows a 22-month, institution-wide process involving academic and professional services colleagues alongside student representatives. More than 1,400 staff and students contributed their experiences and insights, helping to shape a comprehensive five-year action plan focused on belonging, representation and equity across the University.
Professor Paul Connolly, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Executive Dean of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, said:
“This significant achievement reflects the collective efforts of our University community. An institutional team comprising both academic and professional services staff and student representatives has shaped a comprehensive action plan informed by the perspectives of 1,400 staff and students and detailed analyses of institutional data.
"Together, we are committed to ensuring Ulster University is a place where everyone – regardless of racial, ethnic or cultural background – feels valued, respected and enabled to thrive.”
Ulster joins more than 60 UK universities participating in the Race Equality Charter, a national framework designed to improve the experiences and outcomes of racially minoritised staff and students.
Professor Mary Hannon-Fletcher, Dean of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, added:
“This recognition reflects not only our commitment to race equality, but also the dedication of colleagues and students across the University who have helped us better understand the barriers faced by our racially minoritised communities and how we can address them.
"This award reflects the scale of that effort and recognises the determination of our community to look honestly at where we are, and the shared ambition to become the genuinely inclusive university we strive to be."
The Bronze Award marks the beginning of the next phase of Ulster’s work, with a focus on inclusive teaching and learning, strengthening a sense of belonging, and amplifying minority ethnic voices across the University.
