Leeds Trinity awarded Charter

Awarded silver in the Race Equality Charter (by Advance HE) this recognises LTU's sustained commitment to race equity, diversity, and inclusion across all areas of university life.

Previously the first university in Yorkshire to receive the REC Bronze in 2020, LTU 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, LTU 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 LTU 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.”

LTU'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.

If you would like to read more or see the original article please see Leeds Trinity University becomes first in Yorkshire to be awarded the Silver Race Equality Charter - News - Leeds Trinity University

*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.