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University of Birmingham achieves Silver Race Equality Charter award

Achieving Silver places the University among only a small number of institutions to reach this milestone.

18 February 2026
Two female members of staff chatting at their desks. Behind them, a banner reads: 'Equality, Inclusion and Wellbeing'

The University of Birmingham has been awarded the prestigious Silver Race Equality Charter (REC) Award by Advance HE, recognising significant and sustained progress in advancing race equality for students and staff.

Birmingham is one of only eight institutions in the UK to hold Silver status – the highest award currently available – and the only university to achieve this level in the November 2025 assessment round.

The award marks a major milestone in the University’s long-term commitment to addressing racial inequalities, strengthening representation, and fostering an inclusive environment in which all students and staff can thrive.

Achieving the Silver Race Equality Charter Award is a significant recognition of our community’s commitment to advancing race equality.

Professor Nick Vaughan-Williams, Provost and Vice-Principal

Professor Nick Vaughan-Williams, Provost and Vice-Principal, said: “Achieving the Silver Race Equality Charter Award is a significant recognition of our community’s commitment to advancing race equality. It reflects years of hard work, listening and partnership across the University, and it strengthens our resolve to continue building a fairer, more inclusive institution where everyone can succeed.”

Valid until 2031, the Silver Award reflects the University’s substantial progress since achieving Bronze, demonstrated through evidence driven action, partnership working and measurable improvements in experience and outcomes.

Student voice played a central role in shaping the University’s submission. More than 2,000 students contributed to surveys and focus groups, helping to deepen understanding of race equity on campus and inform changes across teaching, support and campus life.

Significant achievements

  • A more diverse student community: Birmingham now has the second most diverse student population among Russell Group institutions outside London, driven by programmes such as Birmingham Scholar, which supports over 3,000 students from underrepresented backgrounds, and the 125th Anniversary Scholarships for Black British Researchers, which has offered over 20 fully funded doctoral scholarships.
  • A more inclusive student experience: As one of the few UK universities with a dedicated Student EDI team, Birmingham is strengthening belonging across campus. From an expanded halal provision to partnerships with minoritised ethnic‑owned suppliers, the University is also set to host the Living Black at University Conference in 2027, contributing to national conversations on race inclusive student accommodation and belonging.
  • Greater representation at senior levels: The number of minoritised ethnic professors has doubled since 2020, rising from 49 to 101.
  • Improved recruitment and development: Targeted recruitment approaches and leadership programmes – including ASPIRE, Aurora, 100 Black Women Professors and Aditi, a leadership development programme for minoritised ethnic staff – have increased representation across academic and professional services roles.
  • Investment to support culture change: A new £1.3m EDI Centre, improved reporting routes, enhanced cultural competency training and strengthened data systems are driving long‑term, positive change.

Advance HE commended the University for its robust governance, honest evaluation of remaining challenges and clear plans for sustainable future progress. The University’s 2025–2030 Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Strategy will continue to focus on diversifying leadership, ensuring fair and transparent recruitment and promotion, closing awarding gaps, and strengthening belonging across the whole University community.

Achieving Silver marks a moment of pride for students, staff and partners who have shaped the University’s race equality journey so far. It also reflects Birmingham’s position as a sector leader in advancing equality, diversity and inclusion, and reinforces the University’s civic and global mission to champion fairness and opportunity for all.

Notes for editors

For media enquiries, please contact the Press Office, University of Birmingham, tel: +44 (0)121 414 2772.

About the University of Birmingham

  • 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, educators and more than 40,000 students from over 150 countries.
  • England’s first civic university, the University of Birmingham is proud to be rooted in 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 is committed to achieving operational net zero carbon. It is seeking to change society and the environment positively, and use its research and education to make a major global contribution to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Find out more about our approach to sustainability.

Featured staff

  • Professor Nick Vaughan-Williams

    Provost and Vice-Principal

    Professor Nick Vaughan-Williams FAcSS is Provost and Vice-Principal at the University of Birmingham.

    Email:

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