Advance HE welcomes this new report led by Dr Becca Franssen and published today by GatenbySanderson, the Society of Black Academics (SBA) and HEPI which “urges renewed focus on advancing the careers of Black academics.”
Advance HE welcomes the new report Unblocking the Pipeline: Supporting the Retention, Progression and Promotion of Black Early-Career Academics led by Dr Becca Franssen and published today (1 Aug) by GatenbySanderson, the Society of Black Academics (SBA) and HEPI.
David Bass, Advance HE’s Director of EDI, said, “Work to understand and address underrepresentation of Black academics, particularly in progression and promotion to senior roles, is vital to ensure that all academics enjoy equal opportunity to realise their potential and for higher education to benefit from its full array of talent. This report adds to the evidence base, helping to inform and enhance the sector’s work to address inequalities.
“The Race Equality Charter (REC), which we run on behalf of the sector, helps institutions improve the representation, experience, progression and success of racially minoritised staff and students within higher education. Participating institutions determine how they go about their work and how they develop and then implement their action plan.
“REC awards – which are independently assessed – are particularly significant because they recognise progress against those plans. We share those lessons and practice so that the whole sector can accelerate efforts to tackle inequality wherever it exists.”
There are now 101 Race Equality Charter members, holding 50 awards between them. In the autumn, Advance HE will add to the evidence with the publication of the Equality in higher education: statistical report for staff.
About the author: David Bass is Director of EDI at Advance HE.
This article has been kindly repurposed from Advance HE and you can read the original here.