Following an extensive university-wide consultation, we introduced our anti-racism action plan in April 2021.
In December 2024, UAL was awarded the Race Equality Charter (REC) Bronze Award. The work to achieve this accreditation started in 2019, with colleagues from a range of backgrounds, identities, experiences and job roles contributing. Issued by AdvanceHE and awarded based on a methodology of self-assessment, peer-review and continuous progression, this represents an important milestone in UAL’s journey to becoming a truly anti-racist university.
The REC Action Plan was created as a roadmap to drive forward with our ambitions to tackle inequalities across the University. The REC Action Plan succeeds the Anti-Racism Action Plan and aligns with our Access and Participation Plan for students (PDF 1.3MB).
Our priority areas
Priority area A – Embedding EDI within our governance and culture
Objectives in priority area A concern the operational structure of EDI initiatives at UAL, ensuring clear processes and barometers are in place. This includes the establishment of a University-wide EDI Committee and regular data analysis to ensure evidence-based actions are carried out in a timely manner.
Priority area B – Increasing diversity in our staff pipeline
Objectives in Priority Area B concern the diversity of staff across the University, including recruitment practices and opportunities for progression. This includes continuing our 30% Black, Asian, and minority ethnic (B.A.M.E.) staff representation target in all areas of the University, first introduced with the anti-racism action plan.
Priority area C – Fostering a culture of inclusion
Objectives in priority area C concern the culture and inclusion efforts across the University, ensuring B.A.M.E. members of the UAL community have access to development opportunities. This includes staff participation in mentoring, development and leadership programmes and reviewing our Tell Someone reporting system and usage.
Priority area D – Supporting students to succeed
Objectives in priority area D concern the B.A.M.E. student community at UAL, ensuring they have the support they need to succeed and that awarding gaps are closed. These objectives align with the University’s Access and Participation Plan. This includes continued support for UAL’s Insights and Creative Shift programmes and reducing awarding gaps between students.
Our work in action
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Peng Chen, Show backstage, Banking Hall
Decolonising Arts Institute
Explore films from UAL Decolonising Arts Institute, seeking to challenge colonial and imperial legacies and drive cultural, social and institutional change.
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Insights Summer Schools 2025, UAL | Photographs: student work, Ali Mohammed, Thai Mahendrakumar.
Insights programme
Not everyone has equal opportunity to enter higher education. UAL Insights is the University’s outreach programme. It offers young people access to our Colleges for creative activities and pre-university advice and guidance.
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Alaa Satir, 2019 MA Illustration and visual media, London College of Communication UAL | Photograph: Deema Alasad
MA Internet Equalities
Providing students from a range of disciplinary backgrounds with the skills to understand and implement applied equality in technology development.
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BA (Hons) Fine Art, Shinuk Suh in the Studio, Copyright holder: Alys Tomlinson
Arts SU
Get involved in some of our students’ union campaigns, and connect with local creatives, community organisations and likeminded students.
Networks
Race Champions Forum (RCF)
The Race Champions Forum was established in November 2016 and is made up of members of staff from across UAL committed to progressing race equality within the university. The forum meets termly to share good practice and report on progress against our institutional objectives.
If you want to get involved in the work of the RCF, contact Isabella Chan, Head of EDI: i.chan@arts.ac.uk
Group for the Equality of Minority Staff (GEMS)
GEMS was set up to promote the personal development and create a network of Black, Asian and minority ethnic staff.
For more information contact: gems@arts.ac.uk
