Race equality

We have pledged to tackle racial inequality and injustice wherever we can and to take active steps to foster an antiracist culture in our own community. Central to this is identifying the barriers that stand in the way of minority ethnic staff and students and to help improve their representation, progression, and success.

Imperial has a number of initiatives to support our minority ethnic communities and to drive racial equality, which you can explore below. This work forms part of our wider Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy.

Read about what the College has committed to and our progress in REC 2023 update one-pager (pdf).

This video is all about how we talk about Race and Ethnicity taking a look at terminology and further resources available to help create a welcoming and inclusive culture for all. Play video
This video is all about how we talk about Race and Ethnicity taking a look at terminology and further resources available to help create a welcoming and inclusive culture for all.

Race equality and you

The purpose of the video is so that you can:

  • Be reminded about why we need to talk about race
  • Able to recap terminology about race equality
  • Understand how race links in with imperial values
  • Be reminded of Microaggressions
  • And understand where you can seek support

Race equality initiatives at Imperial

Race Equality Charter

Imperial is a member of the Race Equality Charter (REC), a framework for universities to self-assess and identify institutional and cultural barriers for minority ethnic staff and students.

Imperial History Group

This group has been commissioned to examine the history of the College through its links to the British Empire, and to report on the present understanding and reception of the College’s legacy and heritage in the context of its present-day mission.

Black History Month

October is Black History Month - an annual event in the UK that celebrates black history, arts, and culture.

Find out how Imperial has celebrated the Month in the past and view profiles of staff and students, alumni, and inspirational scientists from minority ethnic groups.

Imperial As One

Imperial As One is our BAME staff network.

The network helps set priorities and advises the College, particularly by examining custom and practice, the traditions of the College, and identifying how these impact on staff.

Black & Minority Ethnic Students Officer

The Imperial Student Union's Black & Minority Ethnic Students Officer is responsible for making sure the voices of students from ethnic minority backgrounds are heard across College.

Black Doctoral Network

A network for Black PhD students at Imperial, offering discussions, support, but most importantly, community.

IMPACT development programme

IMPACT is Imperial's own talent development programme for minority ethnic staff. IMPACT helps staff who wish to further their careers by developing and fine-tuning both new and existing skills and talents.

How to be a White ally

These suggestions help understand what it means to be a White ally and give examples of positive actions to combat racism.

Although they focus on ways to support our Black colleagues and students, they can by used by anyone to help support all people of colour within the Imperial community.

Microaggressions

The Faculty of Engineering has produced a training video on microaggressions, explaining what they are, how you can appropriately challenge microaggressions, and tools to help create a more inclusive workplace culture.

Writing about ethnicity

Imperial has produced a guide for writing about ethncity.

It is intended as a resource for all Imperial staff and students who are writing official communications on behalf of the College.

Scholarships for Black students

The Presidential Scholarship for Black Students was established to improve access and opportunity for Black students at Imperial.

Provost’s Visiting Professor (PVP) Programme

From our Race Equality Charter action plan, the PVP Programme has been established to improve the diversity of our community by bringing leading academics who will contribute to our community through scholarship, teaching and programming aligned with their research.