The award recognises the significant impact of the Race Equality Network and the University's commitment to creating a workplace where diversity is celebrated.
Alex Johl and Kally Bhartti, co-chairs of the Race Equality Network.
The University of Birmingham’s Race Equality Network has been recognised on an international stage, receiving Highly Commended in the Outstanding Ethnicity Network category at the European Diversity Awards 2025.
The award celebrates the significant impact of the University’s Race Equality Network and the commitment of volunteers who deliver a wide range of activities alongside their regular roles.
Their efforts play a crucial role in advancing the University’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion strategy and enhancing its reputation as a globally leading institution. This ambition is central to the University’s Strategic Framework, which recognises the importance of its people and shared values in achieving its bold ambition to be ranked among the world’s top 50 universities.
Having our Race Equality Network recognised at a European level demonstrates the importance of EDI to the University. The network plays a vital role in advancing the University’s EDI strategy and its commitment to creating a workplace where diversity is celebrated. It will be an important factor in attracting a diverse workforce and showcasing the experiences of our staff of colour. Huge congratulations to all involved.
The network was shortlisted alongside 11 leading organisations, including The Financial Times, Virgin Media O2, and Kingfisher.
Commenting on the awards, Sandie Okoro OBE, Chancellor of the University of Birmingham, said, “Having our Race Equality Network recognised at a European level demonstrates the importance of EDI to the University. The network plays a vital role in advancing the University’s EDI strategy and its commitment to creating a workplace where diversity is celebrated. It will be an important factor in attracting a diverse workforce and showcasing the experiences of our staff of colour. Huge congratulations to all involved.”
Co-chairs Alex Johl, Kally Bhartti and Sophie Cheng, added, “We’re incredibly proud of this award, which is a testament to the dedication of our volunteers who give their time, energy and expertise to drive forward inclusivity for minority ethnic staff. To see our impact recognised alongside global organisations is a brilliant affirmation of the difference the network is making.”
The University’s Race Equality Network is a volunteer-led staff network which was established in 2017 by colleagues undertaking the Aditi programme, the University’s leadership and development programme for minority ethnic staff. The network exists to create an inclusive community for staff and represent the views of staff of colour across the institution.
The network has over 700 members and delivers a wide range of initiatives that strengthen belonging and visibility. This award marks their most successful year yet, with a significant impact demonstrated through:
This growing engagement enhances the University’s visibility within the city, and reinforces its commitment to celebrating the diversity of both the University and the wider community.
The European Diversity Awards celebrate individuals and organisations driving equality, diversity and inclusion across the continent. Hosted by Sky News presenters Kamali Melbourne and Gillian Joseph on Friday 7 November, this year’s event featured global brands such as BBC, Microsoft, Vodafone and Capgemini, and welcomed guests from across the media, including Beverley Knight, Sinitta and Brian Connolly.
The evening culminated with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award for Boy George, joining an illustrious list of past recipients such as Baroness Floella Benjamin, Sir Ian McKellen, and Beverley Knight.
For more information, please contact the Press Office, University of Birmingham, tel: +44 (0)121 414 2772.
The University of Birmingham is ranked amongst the world’s top 100 institutions. Its work brings people from across the world to Birmingham, including researchers, teachers and more than 8,000 international students from over 150 countries.
England’s first civic university, the University of Birmingham is proud to be rooted in of one of the most dynamic and diverse cities in the country. A member of the Russell Group and a founding member of the Universitas 21 global network of research universities, the University of Birmingham has been changing the way the world works for more than a century.
The University of Birmingham’s Race Equality Network is a volunteer-led staff network founded in 2017, aimed at creating an inclusive community and representing the voices of staff of colour across the University.
Today, the network has a staff base of more than 700 and delivers a wide range of initiatives that strengthen belonging and visibility.
