In being shortlisted, the University has been recognised for its ongoing work in embedding race equality, which saw the establishment of the Race Equality Charter Self-Assessment Team (RECSAT) in 2017, to improve the representation, progression and success of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic students and staff.

Initiatives introduced as part of the plan included the development of Re:Tension, a film by university Senior Lecturer in Film Production Ricardo Barker, which addressed institutional racism and unconscious bias within higher education. Following the premiere, an educational toolkit and aftermath debate were also created to facilitate discussions about race equality internally, which have been shared with a wide range of universities across the UK. This led to the development of a compulsory First Year Undergraduate module at Leeds Trinity, ‘Embedding Race Equality in the Curriculum’, which was introduced in September 2020.

Last year, Leeds Trinity became the first university in Yorkshire to receive the Race Equality Charter Bronze award.

Professor Malcolm Todd, Co-Chair of RECSAT at Leeds Trinity University, said: “We are incredibly proud to be shortlisted for Outstanding Contribution to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at this year’s Times Higher Education awards.

“At Leeds Trinity, we are committed to embedding race equality at all levels and promoting inclusion. We know there is still much progress to be made to drive change and better understand the issues faced by Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic staff and students, and we continue to hold ourselves accountable.

“Being shortlisted for this award is great recognition of our work so far, and we look forward to the awards ceremony in November.”

Professor Charles Egbu, Vice-Chancellor of Leeds Trinity University, said: “I am delighted that the University has been shortlisted for such an important and prestigious award. It is testament to the work of many colleagues, students and partners within our University community, and demonstrates our ongoing commitment to embed race equality, drive discussion and have positive impact across the sector.

“The work does not stop here, and I am committed to ensuring that we continue to make progress within our institution. We have a challenging, inclusive and achievable plan, and I am confident we will continue to make a difference. We look forward to the awards later this year.”

2021 marks 17 years of the THE Awards.  Almost 600 institutions, teams and individuals were nominated in total this year.

The awards will take place at the Hilton London Metropole on Thursday 25 November. For more information, visit the website.