Race Equality Week, (3- 9 February), offers Kent an opportunity to pause and reflect on the progress made towards race equality. This week serves as both a celebration of our achievements and a moment to reassert our commitment to advancing race equality throughout the institution.
Progress to Date
Kent has made significant strides in its race equality journey, with key initiatives and milestones marking our ongoing commitment. Notable achievements included the launch of our Challenging Racism Strategy, a comprehensive framework aimed at addressing and dismantling systemic racism within the university and a precursor to our work on the Race Equality Charter. Additionally, Kent’s recent attainment of the Race Equality Charter (REC) Bronze Award in October 2024 is a significant recognition of our efforts and a testament to the dedication of our staff and students in this area.
Role of the BAME Staff Network
The BAME Staff Network has played a crucial role in shaping Kent’s race equality efforts. Through its leadership, the Network has consistently challenged the institution to improve its support for racially minoritised staff. Their advocacy and expertise have been instrumental in ensuring that race equality remains a top priority within Kent’s strategic planning and day-to-day operations.
Kent Students’ Union Black Student Voices Project
Equally important has been the Kent Students’ Union Black Student Voices Project, which has amplified the voices of racially minoritised students across the university. This project has provided a vital platform for students to share their experiences, ensuring that their concerns are heard and acted upon. The insights garnered from this initiative have helped inform the development of policies and practices that better support students from racially minoritised backgrounds.
The 2025–2030 EDI Strategy Consultation
Kent is currently consulting with staff and students on its 2025–2030 Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Strategy. This ongoing consultation is crucial in shaping the university’s long-term approach to race equality. By embedding race equality into the core of our EDI work, Kent is establishing a sustainable framework for continuous improvement, ensuring that progress is not just made but built upon year after year.
Race Equality Charter Monitoring Group
In alignment with the REC Action Plan, Kent will convene its Race Equality Charter Monitoring Group for its inaugural meeting on 7 February. This group will oversee and scrutinise the implementation of the REC Action Plan, holding the institution accountable and driving forward the race equality agenda. Through this group, we aim to ensure that our commitments are not only fulfilled but continually advanced in a meaningful and impactful way.
Race Equality Week is an opportunity to reflect on the work done and the work still to be done. Kent remains committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all, and the initiatives outlined above are just some of the steps we are taking on our journey towards full race equality. As we continue to build on this progress, we remain dedicated to ensuring that the voices of racially minoritised staff and students are heard, valued, and acted upon.