Previously the first university in Yorkshire to receive the REC Bronze in 2020, Leeds Trinity has continued its work to action and further develop its plans to improve race equality across the institution, demonstrating appropriate resourcing, candid identification of context-specific race equality priorities, progress and impact of actions addressing inequality.

Some key examples of success include the University’s measurable reduction in degree awarding gaps between white and Global Majority students on campus, from 13.1% in 2022, to 2.3% in 2025, compared to a sector average of 11.4%*. This was realised through inclusive mentoring and coaching, targeted academic skills teaching and support, and university wide events on diversity. The University has rolled out co-created staff and student training on becoming anti-racist, using award winning film and debate to encourage open conversations on race and racism. All interventions are underpinned by the innovative Racially Inclusive Practice in Assessment Guidance (RIPIAG) project, and the Curriculum for Social Justice (CfSJ) framework, which is now integrated into all programme review cycles, and has equipped 96% of teaching staff to address race equity in their subject areas.

Furthermore, Leeds Trinity’s widely recognised approach to student co-creation has led to improved belonging and outcomes among the student body, through opportunities including paid student panels that collaborate with academic and professional services teams to inform curriculum design, research, and race equity interventions. At staff level, the introduction of race literacy and leadership development programmes alongside data-driven recruitment reforms have increased workforce diversity from 7.1% in 2020 to 13.3% in 2025. 

Professor Charles Egbu, Vice-Chancellor of Leeds Trinity University said: “I am delighted that Leeds Trinity University continues to lead the way to race equity in higher education in our region, becoming the first university in Yorkshire to receive the REC Silver. Our forebearers talked about the dignity of everybody and the common good from very early on. To me, Leeds Trinity is built on that common good, where everybody is respected, where there's tolerance and understanding, and where we all recognise that individuals have talents and we provide them with opportunity.

“Achieving this milestone shows we are deeply committed to equity and inclusion in all we do, and it gives us further momentum to continue that work. There is still a lot to do both across the sector and at institutional level, but I trust that, by putting in place the right environment and supporting colleagues and students in helping to forge a true culture of inclusivity, we will continue to make sure it is embedded wholesomely and authentically in everything we do. My sincere thanks and congratulations to everybody who leads this work and particularly our colleagues on the REC Partnership working group on this important achievement.”

Dr Syra Shakir, Strategic Lead for Race Equity at Leeds Trinity University said the award reflects years of collective effort and honest self-assessment: “This Silver award is a testament to the courage, commitment and collaboration of our students and colleagues who have worked tirelessly to make race equity part of our institutional DNA.

“Leeds Trinity has shown that, when race equity is embedded in everything we do, from teaching and assessment to recruitment and governance, meaningful change follows. Leeds Trinity has worked hard to build an institutional culture where our community can have meaningful conversations on race and racism, and where we view our strategic work and actions through an anti-racist lens.”

Anne Mwangi, Head of the Race Equality Charter said: “Many congratulations to Leeds Trinity University on achieving a Silver Award. The award recognises the University’s commitment, leadership and significant progress in addressing inequality and promoting race equality across the whole institution. We look forward to working with Leeds Trinity University to share their good practice so that other institutions can consider how this may apply in their contexts.”

Leeds Trinity’s Silver Action Plan will run until 2030 and forms the foundation of its “Big 5” institutional measures for inclusive growth: engaging in staff development to support race literacy; data literacy to understand where racial disparities are evident; development and implementation of the Curriculum for Social Justice; implementation and evaluation of the assessment review; and development and implementation of the transition framework.

*According to latest Office for Students data, which shows the awarding gap between white and any other ethnicity except white, including on-campus and franchise students, 2023-24.