As one of its newest signatories, the University of Sussex has helped the Race Equality Charter (REC) reach 50 members.

Advance HE, who launched the charter three years ago, said today they were “delighted” to reach the milestone and encouraged other universities to sign up.

Alison Johns, Chief Executive of Advance HE said, “I am delighted that we now have over 50 REC members. The Charter is really important, providing a sound framework which member institutions draw on to identify and address barriers standing in the way of racial equality. I would strongly encourage other institutions to join.

"We are determined to keep improving our support for institutions in the progression of minority ethnic students and research staff to academic positions, and we will be reviewing the Charter’s progress later this year.”

The University of Sussex committed itself to the REC in its equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) strategy, which was launched last summer. The University became a member in the autumn.

Claire Annesley, Deputy Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Equalities and Diversity), said:

"Signing the Race Equality Charter is a really important step for Sussex towards our ambition of creating a truly inclusive campus for all. 

"Our ambition is not just to reduce inequalities but to create an environment where every member of our community has equal opportunities to experience a university that allows them to thrive and achieve their best.

“We hope to inspire the whole university to get involved and use their expertise, commitment and courage to make the University a better place for everyone."

A key part of the REC will be hearing a wide variety of staff and student voices.

There will be a staff survey as part of the process and a staff BAME (black and minority ethnic) network has been set up, which offers an opportunity for staff to share their experiences and to identify solutions and actions they would like the University to consider.

Any staff who are interested in joining the BAME network and being added to a mailing list can let the organisers know by emailing BAME-Staff@sussex.ac.uk.

Staff and students will be contacted about further opportunities to feed into the REC.