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The University received the Race Equality Charter Institutional Bronze award in September 2023, which acknowledges our commitment to eliminating structural and systemic racial inequalities and developing an inclusive culture at Sussex. The award is valid for five years, and recognises the analysis undertaken by the Race Equality Charter Self-Assessment Team (REC SAT) between 2019 and 2023 to evaluate and understand race inequity at the University. This is not an award for having achieved our ambitions but rather for having a credible action plan to get there, both within the University and, as much as we can, beyond. Read our four-year Race Equality Action Plan.

Exploring ways to engage our community

In May 2024 the REC SAT were invited to meet with Vice-Chancellor Sasha Roseneil to discuss the University’s commitments outlined in the REC Action Plan. During the meeting David Ruebain, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Culture, Equality and Inclusion) gave a presentation on the key priorities identified in the REC submission, before opening the discussion to all, with members exploring the barriers to progress in our current environment and ways to enable engagement with race equity work.

Various activities were discussed for future development, including:

• Using multimedia to update and engage the community on race equity work
• Spotlighting initiatives, work and research of community members which support and explore equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) work.
• Unpacking the idea of ‘the University’ as a monolith, and actively creating a stronger sense of community and shared responsibility.

Measuring our progress against the REC Action Plan

The REC Action Plan is reviewed in termly REC SAT meetings and members are currently reviewing our progress against our 2023-24 target outcomes.

Some of the outcomes identified for the next academic year include:

• Working with key external organisations who can support our race equity work.
• Engaging with staff and student networks to identify potential improvements to the University’s current approach for reporting racists incidents, bullying and harassment.
• Improving consistency around how leadership recognise and respond effectively to potential cultural flashpoints.
• Identify an appropriate benchmark for the equality characteristics of Senate, Council and University Executive Team (UET)

Completed activities include undertaking an audit of key stakeholders and creating a standing agenda item on REC SAT which explores trust in leadership. We have also reviewed membership of the SAT to ensure diverse representation and revised the Terms of Reference so that they reflect the current phase of the process which is to deliver on our action plan.

Raising awareness about discrimination against GTRSB communities

In June, for part of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month 2024,  the REC SAT members will be attending a lunch and learn hosted by the Gypsy, Traveller, Roma, Showmen and Boaters (GTRSB) Working Group. The event will raise awareness of the challenges and discrimination experienced by people within GTRSB communities. There will also be a spotlight on some of the ongoing work that the University is engaged with to support the inclusion of GTRSB staff and students under our commitments outlined in the GTRSB Pledge. Speakers will include representatives from Widening Participation, academics, EDI, students, and our external partner organisation .