University leaders set to share insights at national higher education conference following awards for diversity and inclusion

Leeds Trinity University’s Operational Lead for the Race Equality Charter and Postgraduate Researcher (PhD), Shames Maskeen, and Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Malcolm Todd, will share examples to demonstrate best practice at the event.

The Quality Insights: Innovative approaches to quality, assessment and inclusion online conference is being held by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) for Higher Education on Thursday 24 February.

It will explore imaginative directions for the future of higher education by addressing three core themes of inclusive learning communities; assessment design and delivery; and innovative approaches to managing quality.

As part of the ‘Inclusive learning communities’ theme, Shames Maskeen and Professor Malcolm Todd will be presenting a session discussing race equality and championing inclusivity.

The presentation will explore the ways in which Leeds Trinity is approaching this, including discussion on the establishment of its Office for Institutional Equity, embedding race equality on all modules and making key resources available for other universities, as well as looking at future work on the Curriculum Framework for Social Justice.

Leeds Trinity is the first University in Yorkshire to achieve the Race Equality Charter (REC) Bronze award. It received the award in November 2020 in recognition of its commitment to improving the representation, progression and success of Black, Asian and minority ethnic students and staff.

The University subsequently received the gold Whatuni Student Choice Award in 2021 for Diversity and Inclusion and was shortlisted for Outstanding Contribution to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at the Times Higher Education (THE) awards 2021.

Shames Maskeen, Operational Lead for the Race Equality Charter and Postgraduate Researcher (PhD) at Leeds Trinity University, said:

“There is a need in higher education to move beyond lip service and begin to take action with impact if we are committed to eliminating racism. This conference is an opportunity to showcase the successes and challenges learned in Leeds Trinity achieving the Bronze award and share these lessons with the wider higher education sector.  

“Far too often, students and staff of colour are talked about and not spoken to. Our presentation will focus on the importance of including students and staff of colour in decision making processes and applying the lived experience in a Curriculum Framework for Social Justice.”

Professor Malcolm Todd, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and co-chair of Race Equality Charter Partnership (REC-P) at Leeds Trinity University, said:

“I am looking forward to speaking at this important sector event with colleagues and key stakeholders determined to shape the future of higher education and support inclusive learning communities.

“At Leeds Trinity, we are committed to embedding race equality at all levels and promoting inclusion. As part of this, we will be able to share the work that our University has already implemented to make a difference, and the key actions that we must continue to drive change and better understand the issues faced by Black, Asian and minority ethnic students and staff.”

The QAA for Higher Education is the independent body that looks at standards and quality in higher education in the UK. It conducts quality assessment reviews, develops reference points and guidance for providers, and conducts or commissions research on relevant issues.

Find out more about the conference online.