Leeds Trinity University has submitted its application for the Race Equality Charter (REC) mark, which identifies how the institution will reduce race inequality at the University over the next five years.

The plans were outlined in the University's submission for the REC bronze award, following two years of development through an internal REC Self-Assessment Team; a group comprising of 18 staff from across the institution, one external consultant and one governor.

23 areas for action were identified in the University's submission to reduce race inequality, following surveys and focus groups with students and staff, a one-day event around 'Challenging Race and Inequality in Higher Education', investment in two PhD studentships and the work of the Self-Assessment Team.

Actions identified in the plan include:Increasing recruitment of BAME staff and students;Working with employer partners to increase recruitment of BAME apprentices;Increasing representation of BAME staff across key University committees;Introducing a formalised mentoring programme for early career researchers;All staff taking part in unconscious/affinity bias training;Increasing the number of BAME and multi-faith societies for students;Increasing the number of student events and social spaces with no alcohol;Eliminating the attainment gap of BAME students; andEmbedding Race Equality within every taught programme at Leeds Trinity.

Professor Margaret A House OBE, Vice-Chancellor at Leeds Trinity University, said:

"Reducing race inequalities within higher education is amongst the most important activities undertaken by the University, and we are absolutely committed to promoting an environment where every individual feels part of our community at Leeds Trinity.

"Two years ago, our self-assessment team was established to not only prepare our application for the Race Equality Charter, but to truly improve the representation, progression and success of BAME staff and students at our institution.

"Although I am proud of the progress already being made at our University, our aim ultimately is to reduce inequality completely. Our action plan is challenging but we believe it is achievable."

Some of the changes already introduced at Leeds Trinity in preparing for the Race Equality Charter include:Reforming staff recruitment processes to ensure greater objectivity;Launching a BAME staff equality network;Introducing a Foundation Year programme to attract a more diverse student body;Work with West Yorkshire Police to encourage BAME applicants to Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship;Multi-faith prayer space on campus;Halal deli on campus; andEstablishment of Islamic society for students.

Zoha Shah, a member of the self-assessment team and President of Leeds Trinity Students' Union, said:

"I was quite happy to see that the University had started their work towards the Race Equality Charter, to research and increase inclusion within the University, and I've seen the changes myself. Being a BAME student myself I wish to keep on working with the University to ensure that all students are represented and feel as though they are all equal."